Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Introduction
Are you a pizza lover looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy your favorite flavors? Look no further than this Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole! Bursting with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole takes all the delicious elements of a classic pepperoni pizza and transforms them into a comforting and shareable dish. Whether you’re hosting a game night, feeding a hungry crowd, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a mouthwatering pizza-inspired dish on the table in no time. The combination of melted cheese, crispy pepperoni, and flavorful tomato sauce creates a winning flavor combination that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, this casserole is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to your liking.
Ingredients
For the casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of penne pasta
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 cup of sliced pepperoni
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups of marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce over the pasta, followed by half of the cooked ground beef and half of the sliced pepperoni.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole turns out perfectly:
– Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite pizza toppings, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
– For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
– If you prefer a crispier pepperoni topping, place the casserole under the broiler for the last few minutes of baking.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
– Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and replace it with your favorite vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach.
– Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta or substitute with gluten-free zucchini noodles.
– Low-Carb Option: Replace the penne pasta with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash.
– Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
This Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with some additional sides and beverages. Here are a few serving suggestions:
– Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
– Pair it with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a chilled soda for a classic pizza parlor vibe.
– For a more sophisticated twist, serve the casserole alongside a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pizza sauce or even homemade tomato sauce for this casserole.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delicious and satisfying Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. With its layers of cheesy goodness, crispy pepperoni, and flavorful sauce, this casserole is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply craving a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza heaven in every bite!
Ultimate Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:
Bursting with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole takes all the delicious elements of a classic pepperoni pizza and transforms them into a comforting and shareable dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion becomes translucent.
-
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta.
-
Spread half of the marinara sauce over the pasta, followed by half of the cooked ground beef and half of the sliced pepperoni.
-
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
-
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
-
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
