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!