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Easy 5-Ingredient Pizza Casserole Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy pizza casserole made with just five simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. This comforting dish layers pasta, ground beef, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, savory meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
  • 1 (24 oz/680g) jar pizza sauce
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (10 oz/280g) bag frozen mini pepperoni slices
  • 6 cups (about 150g) cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 6 cups (about 150g) of pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450g) of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in 1 jar (24 oz/680g) of pizza sauce into the browned beef and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. In a large bowl or skillet, mix cooked pasta with the meat and sauce mixture until pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Pour half the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the frozen mini pepperoni slices (about 5 oz/140g) over the top, then add 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, pepperoni, and cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges start to brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking. Drain ground beef well to prevent greasiness. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melt. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Broil 1-2 minutes at end for crispier top but watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza casserole, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, weeknight dinner, family meal, quick casserole, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-5-ingredient-pizza-casserole-recipe-for-quick-weeknight-dinners/