Satisfy your pizza cravings with a twist! Our Pepperoni Pizza Casserole combines the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza in a comforting casserole format. Layers of pasta, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and pepperoni come together to create a hearty and delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 450g) rotini or any pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Cook Ground Meat:
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Marinara Sauce and Seasonings:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta. Top with half of the meat and sauce mixture, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni. Repeat the layers.
- Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy the comforting goodness of Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, a flavorful twist on the classic pizza that is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Share this hearty dish with loved ones and savor all of the familiar flavors of pepperoni pizza in a delicious casserole format. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to please. 🍕🥘🧀✨