Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole! This mouthwatering dish combines the flavors of pizza and casserole into one satisfying meal. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked

Steps

Follow these steps to make your Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook the beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add the sauce and seasonings

Stir in the pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 4: Combine the pasta and beef mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and the beef mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Layer the casserole

Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake the casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole:

• Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, or pineapple, to customize the flavor.
• Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique twist.
• If you prefer a spicier casserole, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole turns out perfectly:

• Make sure to fully cook the ground beef before adding the vegetables to ensure everything is cooked evenly.
• Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if desired.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Enjoy the deliciousness of pizza combined with the convenience of a casserole with our Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it for dinner or at your next gathering for a crowd-pleasing meal. Bon appétit!