Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole Recipe
This hearty casserole is perfect for pizza lovers looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dinner. It’s loaded with beef, cheese, and classic pizza flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups (500ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (200g) cooked pasta (e.g., rotini, penne)
- 1/2 cup (75g) sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup (50g) black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the pizza sauce to the beef mixture and stir until well combined.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheeses, pepperoni slices, and optional olives.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Veggies: Include mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with cooked cauliflower florets.
- Customize Toppings: Use your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, ham, or pineapple.
Enjoy your cheesy beef pizza casserole! Let me know if you’d like a variation or dietary adjustment for this recipe.