Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining everything wonderful about pizza into a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dish, you’re going to love this Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe. It captures all the bold flavors of your favorite pizza—melty mozzarella, savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce—layered perfectly with tender pasta for an irresistible casserole that pleases both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a crowd, this casserole brings a slice of pizza magic right to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, yet they pack an incredible punch of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the savory ground beef to the gooey mozzarella that pulls everything together.

• 1 lb ground beef: Use lean for less fat or Italian sausage for a spicier kick; browning it fully develops deep flavor.
• 6 oz pepperoni: Adds that classic pizza spice and a delightful chewy texture.
• 3 cups Mozzarella cheese: The melty, stringy goodness that makes this casserole irresistible.
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base for the sauce; fresh canned tomatoes create the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
• 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings the essence of Italian pizza right to your casserole.
• 16 oz penne pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta shape that holds onto sauce and cheese deliciously.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a flavorful, slightly nutty finish and golden crust.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. If you’re using Italian sausage, brown that too, then drain off any excess fat. This step builds a savory foundation packed with meaty goodness.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the browned meat. Add the Italian seasoning and garlic salt, then stir everything together so the sauce is well blended. This tomato-based sauce is bursting with classic pizza flavors that’ll make your casserole pop.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions—but be sure to cook it al dente, meaning the pasta should still have a slight firmness to the bite. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy during baking, so every forkful has the perfect texture.

Step 4: Assemble Your Layers

Drain the pasta and spread half of it evenly in a 9×13 baking dish. Next, spoon half of the meat and sauce mixture over the pasta layer. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then add half of the pepperoni slices. These layers make sure each bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 5: Repeat Layers and Finish

Layer on the remaining pasta, then the rest of the meat sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese and the final portion of pepperoni. Finally, sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This final layer will develop into a gorgeous cheesy crust that makes this casserole truly special.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is beautifully browned. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving, so flavors can settle and the cheesy goodness sets up just right.

How to Serve Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano over each serving for a burst of color and herbal freshness that complements the robust flavors of the casserole perfectly. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add an exciting layer for those who love a little heat.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that add natural sweetness and crunch. Garlic bread or a soft, buttery dinner roll are fantastic to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also layer it in mason jars for a portable lunch or picnic option. For a fun twist, add some sliced black olives or diced bell peppers to layers for extra color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches during a busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. For best results, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness and avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. A microwave works too, but the oven helps keep the cheese melty and pasta texture intact, recreating that just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully here, rigatoni, ziti, or even shells would hold the sauce and cheese nicely. Just keep the cooking time consistent and aim for al dente pasta to avoid mushiness.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the ground beef and pepperoni, and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for flavor and texture. Using plant-based meat substitutes also works great for keeping that hearty feel.

Can I make this spicy?

Definitely—add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or choose a pepperoni with a little heat to boost the spice level to your liking.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Mozzarella is essential for that gooey, melty texture that defines this dish. Parmesan cheese adds a nice sharp finish on top. You could also experiment with provolone or a bit of cheddar for an interesting twist.

How long does the casserole take to bake?

You’ll bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This ensures the inside is hot and the top is golden and bubbly without drying out.

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a recipe that wraps up everything wonderful about pizza into one delicious dish, the Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe is your new go-to. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor from every angle. Warm, filling, and easy to make, it promises smiles at any dinner table—so go ahead and give it a try. Your loved ones will thank you for introducing this fantastic family favorite!

Cheesy Pizza Casserole with Pepperoni and Ground Beef Recipe

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This hearty Pizza Casserole combines all your favorite pizza ingredients into a comforting baked pasta dish. Layers of al dente penne pasta, seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses are baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner that satisfies pizza cravings in a cozy casserole form.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Meat and Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes (or 2 15 oz cans of crushed tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning

Pasta

• 16 oz penne pasta

Cheese and Toppings

• 3 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 6 oz pepperoni
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and Brown Meat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily.
2. Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt to the browned meat. Stir well to combine all the flavors into a rich meat sauce.
3. Cook Pasta Al Dente: While the sauce simmers, boil the penne pasta according to package instructions but stop cooking when it is al dente – firm to the bite but not fully soft. Drain the pasta well.
4. Layer First Half: Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the prepared meat sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the Mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then arrange half of the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
5. Layer Second Half: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, Mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices, creating a second layer.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer to add a sharp, nutty flavor and promote browning.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. The top should become bubbly and golden brown, signaling the casserole is perfectly cooked.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the dish set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Notes

• Using Italian sausage instead of ground beef adds extra flavor but can increase fat content.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
• For a spicier version, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
• Covering the dish during the first bake stage prevents the pasta from drying out.