When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty satisfaction of a well-made casserole. Combining the beloved flavors of pepperoni pizza with the convenience and ease of a one-dish meal, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or preparing a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked egg noodles
- 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (use your favorite variety or homemade)
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 (2.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped
- 20 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and be ready to serve in a timely manner.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 10 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Cook the Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until they are cooked through yet slightly firm, about 5 minutes. This method, known as “al dente,” ensures that the noodles will retain some texture after baking. Drain the noodles well.
4. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked egg noodles, spaghetti sauce, black olives, mushrooms, coarsely chopped pepperoni, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese to create a delicious, melty layer of cheese that will brown beautifully in the oven. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning during the initial baking period.
6. Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until it is bubbling and heated through, approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The foil can be removed during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to turn a golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. This makes it easier to serve and enhances the overall flavor. Cut into generous portions and serve hot.
Tips and Variations
1. Customize Your Casserole: The beauty of this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings to the mix. Sliced bell peppers, diced onions, or even jalapeños can add extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute or add different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to suit your taste.
2. Healthier Options: For a healthier version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles can be used to accommodate dietary preferences. Additionally, using a low-sodium or homemade spaghetti sauce can help control the salt content in the dish.
3. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for busy days when you want to have dinner ready with minimal effort. If baking from a refrigerated state, you may need to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
4. Freezing the Casserole: This dish also freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding an additional 30 to 45 minutes to the baking time.
5. Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, can add a burst of color and freshness to the finished dish.
6. Kid-Friendly Adaptations: If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit their tastes. Consider omitting the mushrooms or olives if they are not to your family’s liking. You can also add more pepperoni or extra cheese to make it even more appealing to younger palates.
Conclusion
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods: pizza and casserole. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that offers the convenience of a one-pan meal with the irresistible flavors of pepperoni pizza. This recipe is easy to customize, making it suitable for various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become a new family favorite. Happy cooking!
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Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: A Hearty and Flavorful Family Favorite
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a pepperoni pizza with the ease and convenience of a casserole. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, offering layers of pasta, cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg