If you love pizza and casserole dishes, this cheesy beef pizza casserole is a perfect combination of both! It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s loaded with flavor and super easy to make. Whether you’re craving pizza or just want a quick dinner that the whole family will love, this casserole is the answer. It has all the classic pizza flavors—tender ground beef, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and savory toppings—layered into a cheesy, gooey casserole that’s baked to perfection. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that’s simple to whip up on busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 (14 oz) package of rotini or penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (optional but highly recommended!)
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef, cooking until the onion becomes soft, about 3-4 minutes. If using bell pepper and mushrooms, add them now and cook until softened.
- Combine sauce and seasoning: Stir in the pizza or marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and mix everything together.
- Layer the casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and pepperoni slices (if using). If you like extra cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or cheddar on top!
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot. Enjoy the cheesy, pizza-inspired goodness!
Tips:
- Feel free to get creative with the toppings! You can add olives, sausage, or even bacon for extra flavor.
- If you’re looking for a healthier version, try using whole wheat pasta or ground turkey instead of beef.
- For a more “crusty” top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Enjoy your cheesy beef pizza casserole!
