Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces Ziti or Penne pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced beef pepperoni, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion; cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 2: Stir the marinara or pizza sauce, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of the sliced beef pepperoni into the meat mixture. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the meat and sauce mixture over the pasta and stir well to coat. Add 1 cup of the shredded Mozzarella cheese to the pasta mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Transfer the entire pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top the casserole evenly with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese and arrange the extra beef pepperoni slices on top.
- Step 5: Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Leftovers keep beautifully; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for longer storage.
- When reheating a whole chilled casserole, cover it loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, removing the foil for the last few minutes to refresh the crispy cheese topping.
- Balance the richness of the casserole by serving it alongside a crisp, lightly dressed Caesar or garden salad.
- For a richer, authentic "pizza" flavor base, substitute the lean ground beef with mild or hot Italian sausage, ensuring you drain the grease well before adding the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups (400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 8g