Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with the heartiness of a baked casserole. Packed with ground beef, pepperoni, noodles, and mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

It’s a kid-friendly meal that can be easily customized with your favorite pizza toppings, and the casserole format makes it a great option for meal prep or freezing ahead.

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked egg noodles

1/2 pound lean ground beef

1 chopped onion

2 cloves minced garlic

1 chopped green pepper

1 cup chopped pepperoni sausage

16 oz pizza sauce

4 tablespoons milk

1 c mozzarella cheese

How to make :

Step 1:

Cooking noodles accorde to pack instructions.

Step 2:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees Celsius).

Step 3:

In a medium skillet over medium heat, saute ground beef with onion, garlic and green pepper.

Drain the excess fat.

Adding noodles, pepperoni, pizza sauce & milk and mixing well.

Pour this mixture into a 2-liter casserole dish.

Step 4:

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes

Top with cheese, then bake for another 5 to 10 mn.

Enjoy !

Notes:

Customizable: This recipe is easily adjustable to suit your preferences. You can swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or spinach.

Noodle Substitutions: If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use other pasta types like rotini, penne, or ziti. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become too soft when baked.

Cheese Options: While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend for more flavor variety.

Pepperoni Alternatives: If pepperoni is too spicy or not your preference, feel free to use turkey pepperoni, ham, or even vegetarian pepperoni alternatives.

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a convenient dish for busy days.

Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Assemble everything except for the cheese topping, freeze it, and when ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with cheese, and bake.

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Family-Friendly: This casserole is a kid-friendly meal, with familiar pizza flavors that are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Side Suggestions: Serve this dish with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Spicing it Up: For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture while cooking.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta in this casserole?

You can certainly experiment with different pasta types, but egg noodles work well in this recipe.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and pepperoni.

Consider adding more vegetables or meatless alternatives for a satisfying meat-free option.

Can I use a different type of cheese besides mozzarella?

Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, but you can customize your casserole by using other cheese varieties like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for a different flavor.

Are there any recommended side dishes to serve with this casserole?

You can serve this casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors.

It’s versatile, so you can choose your favorite sides.

How should I store leftovers, and can I freeze this casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.

To freeze, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap.

Thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy again.

Can I use different pasta types other than egg noodles for this casserole?

While the recipe specifies egg noodles, you can experiment with different pasta shapes.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.

What can I use as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference.

Can I customize the pizza toppings in this casserole?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute other pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage to create your own unique pizza casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

When ready to serve, simply bake it as per the instructions.

What are some serving suggestions for this casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Consider pairing it with your favorite pizza dipping sauces for extra flavor.