Quick Benefits
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious dish that brings all the flavors of a classic pizza into a hearty baked casserole. Loaded with ground beef, mozzarella, pepperoni, and pasta, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s easy to make ahead and great for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (8-ounce) package uncooked egg noodles
- 20 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (16-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce, or as needed
- 1 (8-ounce) package sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped
- 1 (2.5-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
Preparation Steps
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles (about 10 minutes).
- Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles until al dente (about 5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, egg noodles, half of the mozzarella cheese, spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let cool for a few minutes before serving with a side of garlic bread or salad.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: With 38g of protein per serving, this dish keeps you full and satisfied.
- Calcium Boost: Packed with 595mg of calcium from the mozzarella cheese.
- Good Source of Iron: Provides 3mg of iron, essential for energy and metabolism.
- Balanced Carbs & Fats: A mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs makes this a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve with a Caesar or garden salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: A crispy side of garlic bread or breadsticks makes it even better.
- As a Potluck Dish: Prepare in advance and reheat in a slow cooker for easy serving at gatherings.
- Topped with Red Pepper Flakes: Add some spice with red pepper flakes or chili oil.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Version: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and add extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Cheese Lover’s Edition: Add Parmesan and provolone cheese for an even richer taste.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra gooey, melty texture, use fresh shredded mozzarella.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep the noodles slightly firm (al dente) so they hold up well in the bake.
- Layer for More Flavor: Instead of mixing everything together, layer the ingredients like a lasagna for extra texture.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before baking to save time on busy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well in place of egg noodles.
Can I add more veggies
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, spinach, onions, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
How do I make this in a slow cooker?
Prepare everything as directed, then cook in a slow cooker on LOW for 4-5 hours.
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, easy-to-make, and satisfying meal that brings all the flavors of a pizza into a hearty, baked dish. Whether for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!
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Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: A Cheesy, Hearty Family Favorite
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in a comforting baked casserole. Packed with ground beef, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and savory spaghetti sauce, this meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Serve it with garlic bread and a salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked egg noodles
- 20 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce, or as needed
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped
- 1 (2.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles as it cooks, about 10 minutes.
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Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rapid boil. Cook egg noodles at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 5 minutes; drain.
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Combine beef, noodles, 1/2 mozzarella cheese, spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives in a large bowl; transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is bubbling, 30 to 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 586 per serving
