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Craving a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal? This Pizza Bake Casserole is your answer. Imagine all the flavors of your favorite pizza packed into a comforting casserole. With ground beef, pepperoni, and loads of mozzarella cheese, it’s a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up. Let’s dive in!
Pizza Bake Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 package (8 oz) pepperoni slices
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (16 oz) rotini pasta
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 0.5 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 0.5 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in pasta sauce, tomato sauce, green bell pepper, black olives, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and beef mixture.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
What You Will Need to Make This Dish
Read more: Pizza Roll Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make pizza bake casserole
- Ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory base, providing protein and rich flavor to the dish.
- Pasta sauce: Brings a tangy, tomatoey goodness that ties all the ingredients together.
- Tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor, making the casserole saucier and more cohesive.
- Pepperoni slices: Adds a spicy, meaty kick, giving the dish a classic pizza taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that binds everything.
- Rotini pasta: Provides a sturdy base, holding the sauce and other ingredients well.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the savory elements.
- Chopped green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter crunch, adding texture.
- Sliced black olives: Adds a salty, briny flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs and spices, giving the dish an authentic Italian flavor.
What Tools/Instruments Will Be Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Pizza Bake Casserole Recipe
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking ground beef and onions evenly, ensuring they are browned and flavorful.
- Large pot: Needed to boil the rotini pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining cooked pasta with the beef mixture thoroughly.
- 9x13 inch baking dish: Ideal for baking the casserole, allowing even heat distribution.
- Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring ingredients together without scratching cookware.
- Oven: Necessary for baking the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pizza Bake Casserole Recipe
A delicious and easy pizza bake casserole recipe perfect for family dinners.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar pasta sauce (24 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 package pepperoni slices (8 oz)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package rotini pasta (16 oz)
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 0.5 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 0.5 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in pasta sauce, tomato sauce, green bell pepper, black olives, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and beef mixture.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes:
Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings!
Read more: Baked Grits Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead / Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook pasta and beef mixture.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Top with pepperoni and cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare pasta and beef mixture.
- Combine in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a greased, freezer-safe baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Top with pepperoni and cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Using pepperoni slices in this Pizza Bake Casserole adds a smoky flavor that complements the Italian seasoning perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to make this pizza bake casserole?
It takes about 45 minutes total, including prep and baking time.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, but rotini works well for holding the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready.
Can I add other toppings?
Sure, feel free to add mushrooms, sausage, or any other toppings you enjoy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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