🍕🧀 Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole
🔹 Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra cheesiness)
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20–30 slices pepperoni (or other favorite pizza toppings)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: black olives, bell peppers, mushrooms (sautéed or canned)
🔥 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta:
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Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the beef:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Drain excess grease.
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Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt & pepper.
4. Assemble the casserole:
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In a large mixing bowl or the pot you used for pasta, combine the beef mixture with cooked pasta and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir to combine.
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Pour into the prepared baking dish.
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Top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar (if using), and pepperoni slices (plus other toppings if desired).
5. Bake:
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for golden, crispy cheese on top.
🍽️ Serving Tips:
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Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes.
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Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
🧊 Storage:
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Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
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Freeze (before or after baking) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven or microwave.
Want a low-carb or gluten-free twist on this recipe?