Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Here’s a tasty recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (6 oz) sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
   • Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan cheese.
   • Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
   • Layer half of the pepperoni slices on top of the pasta mixture. If using, add half of the black olives and chopped green bell pepper.
   • Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
   • Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Add any remaining olives and bell peppers if desired.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve.

Enjoy your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza!