Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, oven-baked dish that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a cozy, cheesy pasta casserole. It features seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, penne pasta, and a rich pizza sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and easy to make ahead or freeze for later. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy.


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz (225g) penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, black olives, jalapeños, or pineapple

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  • Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms.
  • Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
  • Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add Sauce and Seasonings

  • Stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Combine with Pasta

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture.
  • Stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Assemble the Casserole

  • Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
  • Add any optional toppings like pepperoni or olives.

6. Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • For a golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.

7. Serve

  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
  • Serve with a side of marinara for dipping.
  • Add a glass of iced tea or soda for a classic pizza night vibe.

Tips & Variations:

  • Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
  • Go vegetarian: Skip the beef and load up on mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
  • Use different pasta: Rotini, rigatoni, or shells work great too.
  • Freeze it: Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

This Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Want a version with a biscuit topping or a low-carb twist using zucchini noodles? I’d be happy to help!

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