Description
Looking for a family-friendly, easy dinner that feels like comfort food heaven? This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole has everything you love about pizza baked into a rich, cheesy, saucy pasta dish. Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or freezer prep, it’s one of those easy recipes that everyone will ask for again. Packed with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, tender pasta, and zesty marinara, it’s a go-to when you’re craving dinner ideas that are satisfying and stress-free. If you’re browsing for quick dinner inspiration or food ideas that deliver big on flavor, this is the recipe to bookmark.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni (mini or regular)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Add onions and peppers, cooking until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the meat sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half the pepperoni.
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–35 minutes
- Category: Dinner