Ingredients:
- Pasta:
- 1 box (16 oz) of your choice (penne, rigatoni, ziti, or rotini). If you want to stretch the meal, use 2 boxes.
- Pasta Sauce:
- 1-2 jars (24 oz each) of your favorite marinara or pizza sauce. Choose based on your preferred sauciness.
- Pepperoni:
- 3/4 cup of sliced pepperoni (you can cut them in half or quarters for smaller pieces).
- Ground Beef:
- 1 lb (you can use lean ground beef, turkey, or even Italian sausage for more flavor).
- Cheese:
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (or a pizza blend that includes mozzarella and provolone).
- Optional Toppings:
- Chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, or cooked sausage.
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if desired) to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In the same pot you used for the pasta, add the drained pasta back in.
- Pour in the cooked ground beef and the pasta sauce.
- Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Add any additional toppings if using.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!
Tips:
- Cheese Variation: For a different flavor, mix in some Parmesan or provolone cheese along with the mozzarella.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative or add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or any time you crave that comforting pizza flavor!