Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish for pizza lovers who crave the rich, savory flavors of a pizza but want something easy to prepare and serve in a cozy casserole form. Packed with ground beef, pizza sauce, cheese, and pasta, this casserole combines all the best pizza toppings into one comforting, cheesy dish. With a rich, hearty texture, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite for any weeknight dinner, party, or casual gathering. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 package (12 oz) rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and half of the pepperoni slices (if using).
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Add the rest of the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden brown on top.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that brings the beloved flavors of pizza into a comforting casserole dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish will quickly become a crowd favorite. The combination of savory beef, tangy pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and pasta makes this casserole an irresistible comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy the ultimate cheesy pizza experience in casserole form.