Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• STEP 2.Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• STEP 3.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
• STEP 4.Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
• STEP 5.Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• STEP 6.In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the pepperoni slices, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
• STEP 7.Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, pepperoni slices, and mozzarella cheese.
• STEP 8.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• STEP 9.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• STEP 10.Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
• STEP 11.Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Tips

• Feel free to customize the toppings by adding your favorite pizza ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• For a spicier version, use spicy pepperoni or add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein substitutes.
• To make the casserole ahead of time, assemble it up to the baking step and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Storage and Serving

• Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole hot, straight from the oven.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness and flavor.
• This casserole makes great leftovers and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.