Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe: A Delicious Dinner Delight
If you’re seeking a comforting and scrumptious main dish, the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is sure to satisfy. This recipe combines the irresistible flavors of your favorite pizza toppings, enveloped in a cheesy casserole. Not only is it delectable, but it’s also easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. With straightforward ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can have this hearty meal ready in just an hour.
Yield
This recipe serves 8 and has a total yield of 8 servings. The active prep time is 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 45 minutes, making the total time 1 hour.
Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (8 ounce) package uncooked egg noodles
- 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce, or as needed
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives, drained
- 1 (2.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced pepperoni, coarsely chopped
- 20 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe Preparation
- Firstly, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the meantime, in a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and crumbled. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Then, drain the excess fat to keep it healthier.
- Next, stir in the spaghetti sauce, ensuring the beef is well coated.
- Add the drained black olives and mushrooms to the skillet.
- Coarsely chop the sliced pepperoni and stir it into the mixture.
- Now, combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture and 10 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the noodle-beef mixture into the prepared dish.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Optional Healthier Cooking Methods
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat noodles for more fiber and nutrients. Additionally, try reducing the amount of pepperoni to cut back on sodium. You could also opt for turkey pepperoni or simply use less cheese if you’re watching your calorie intake. These small changes can make a substantial difference without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
The Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is a quick and easy dinner option that is both nutritious and delicious. You can pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, perfect for a cozy night at home or as a crowd-pleaser at your next potluck. With the convenience of making it ahead of time and reheating it for the next day, this casserole offers flavorful leftovers that are great for lunches as well.
Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy a slice of pizza flavor, casserole style! If you are looking for more meal ideas, check out this collection of family-friendly recipes. For tips on meal prepping casseroles, visit Taste of Home.