Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
626 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole combines cooked pasta with a saucy blend of ground beef seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper, then mixed thoroughly with a combination of pizza sauce and marinara. The mixture is transferred to a casserole dish, topped with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices to mimic traditional pizza toppings.
The casserole is finished under a hot broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese, creating a bubbly, lightly crisp layer on top. Careful attention during broiling is important as the cheese can quickly burn within seconds. Fresh parsley can be added as a garnish to brighten the dish visually and add a hint of fresh herb aroma.
This casserole works well as a substantial main course, providing elements of pizza in an easy-to-serve format suitable for family meals or leftovers. Leftover portions can be refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage, offering flexible meal planning options.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta cooked and drained (ziti, small or medium shells, or another small-shaped pasta may be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced small, large sweet Vidalia
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste, freshly ground
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- 24 pepperoni
- parsley optional for garnishing, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat broiler to high and spray a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.
- To a stockpot, cook the pasta according to the manufacturer’s directions; drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, to a Dutch oven or other large pot, add the olive oil, onion, and cook over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften; stir occasionally.
- Add the beef, evenly sprinkle with the oregano, salt, pepper, and crumble beef as it cooks to encourage even cooking; stir frequently.
- After the beef is cooked through, add the pizza sauce, cooked pasta, and stir very well to combine.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish, evenly top with the cheese, pepperoni, and broil for about 3 minutes, or until cheese has melted or is as browned as desired. Watch it very closely because cheese can burn extremely quickly under the broiler, sometimes in a matter of 15 seconds.
- Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use small- to medium-shaped pasta like rotini or shells to hold sauce well.
- Broil carefully, watching the cheese closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 626 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 626kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14g | 82% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 103mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 1211mg | 50% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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