Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to mix things up with your favorite pizza toppings. Mushrooms, olives, or even jalapeños can add a personal touch to your casserole.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, along with half of the pepperoni slices.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the taste of homemade comfort with every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International