Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic!

If you’re a fan of pizza but want something different, this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is your answer! It brings all the cheesy, savory goodness of a classic pizza and combines it with the heartiness of a comforting casserole. The ground beef, pizza sauce, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and delicious toppings come together in this easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding the kids after a long day or preparing a dish for a cozy gathering, this casserole is the perfect go-to meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can make it as simple or as complex as you like by customizing the toppings to your taste. Add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor, or stick with the basics for a classic pizza casserole. It’s a one-pan meal that’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
– 3 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
– Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure it’s ready for your casserole to bake perfectly.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, draining any excess fat. This helps to keep the casserole from becoming greasy while allowing the beef to retain its flavor.

3. Add Seasonings and Sauce:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This will infuse the beef with that rich, pizza-like flavor we all crave.

4. Combine with Pasta:
Add your cooked pasta (penne or rotini are great choices) to the skillet and mix it with the seasoned beef sauce. Make sure the pasta is well-coated in the flavorful sauce.

5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Once combined, transfer the pasta and beef mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.

6. Add Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the top. Then, layer the pepperoni slices and any other toppings you’d like, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives.

7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This is when the magic happens, turning the casserole into a melty, gooey masterpiece.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve it up hot. With every bite, you’ll get a mix of savory beef, melted cheese, and the delicious pizza toppings that make this dish a hit every time.

Why This Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite

This Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of familiar pizza ingredients in a warm, comforting casserole form will make you feel right at home. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick, satisfying dinner, and it also works great for casual get-togethers with friends and family. The best part? It’s easily customizable, so you can tweak it to your taste by adding different toppings or using your favorite type of cheese.

This dish is proof that you don’t need to go out for pizza to enjoy a delicious, cheesy meal. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time to create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a dish that feeds a crowd, this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.