Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole

Here’s a recipe for a Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole that combines the flavors of pizza with a casserole-style meal:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 package (16 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or any favorite)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional, or use other pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, etc.)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the veggies: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Add the sauce and seasoning: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Combine pasta and beef mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese. If you’re adding any additional toppings like pepperoni or olives, fold them in now.
7. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. If desired, add some more pepperoni slices or other pizza toppings on top.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can customize the toppings to your preference, just like a regular pizza.
• For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Make it extra cheesy by adding more mozzarella or even some provolone cheese.

Enjoy your cheesy, pizza-inspired casserole!