Baked Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole - your favorite pasta, ground beef, spicy mini pepperonis, zesty green peppers, sliced black olives, mushrooms, melty cheeses, and pasta sauce all combined into one tasty, filling casserole that is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
116 ounce box pasta
224 ounce jars pasta sauce
1Tablespoonolive oil
½green pepperchopped
½medium size onionchopped
½cupchopped fresh mushrooms
pinchof salt
1poundlean ground beef
1teaspoongarlic powder
1cupmini pepperoni
½cupshredded parmesan
½cupsliced black olives
2cupsshredded mozzarella
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cook pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and return to pot. Pour 1 jar of pasta sauce over the pasta, stir to coat, and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or stockpot over medium heat. Add in the peppers, onions, and mushrooms, reserving a small amount to use to top the casserole. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and saute over medium heat for 5-8 minutes or until onions are clear and veggies are slightly softened.
Add ground beef and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently until ground beef is cooked through. Drain to remove any excess fat.
Stir ½ of a jar of pasta sauce and garlic powder into the meat mixture. Then stir in the pepperoni, parmesan cheese, and olives, again reserving a small amount to sprinkle on top of the casserole.
Spread the pasta evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish, followed by the beef mixture, then the remaining half jar of pasta sauce. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and top with reserved pepperoni, peppers, olives, and mushrooms.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Notes
If mini pepperoni is unavailable, regular pepperoni can be cut into quarters and used instead. You can also use turkey pepperoni.Feel free to add in any of your favorite pizza toppings that aren’t listed above! Or leave out any that your family doesn't like.Store leftovers in an airtight container or well-covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.