Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delightful fusion of two family favorites: pizza and pasta. This hearty and comforting dish features tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and pepperoni all mixed in a rich pizza sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy and delicious way to satisfy pizza cravings in a fun, casserole form.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni sausage
• 16 ounces pizza sauce
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

• Prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Cook the Beef Mixture:

• In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In the skillet, add the cooked noodles, sliced pepperoni, pizza sauce, and milk to the beef mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour the noodle and beef mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

1. Add the Cheese:

• Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your pepperoni pizza casserole hot and bubbly!

Tips:

• Variations: Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings such as sliced mushrooms, olives, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Cheese: For a cheesier dish, you can mix some of the mozzarella cheese into the noodle mixture before baking.
• Pepperoni: You can use turkey pepperoni or a mix of different types of sausages to suit your taste preferences.
• Herbs: Sprinkle some Italian seasoning or fresh basil on top before serving for added flavor.

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. It combines the best elements of pizza and pasta into a single, easy-to-make dish that everyone will love.