Ground Beef Pizza Casserole

Introduction

Ground Beef Pizza Casserole is the perfect mashup between two beloved comfort foods: pizza and pasta casserole. It takes the bold, cheesy, saucy flavors of a classic pizza — gooey mozzarella, hearty ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and all your favorite toppings — and bakes them together with pasta into a warm, bubbly dish. This is a family favorite that’s filling, fun, and highly customizable.

It’s especially great for busy weeknights when you want the taste of pizza but the heartiness of a baked pasta casserole. It’s also a fantastic dish for potlucks or when you’re feeding a crowd because everyone loves it!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s comfort food made easy. It’s fun to make, satisfying to eat, and can be customized endlessly to mimic your favorite pizza flavors. Personally, I love how the ground beef adds a meaty depth that pairs beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce and gooey cheese. Every bite is loaded with flavor, and the crispy, cheesy top layer feels just like biting into a slice of pizza.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Pizza + Pasta in One: Combines two family favorites.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Highly Customizable: Choose your favorite pizza toppings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, and kids’ dinners.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and reheat for busy nights.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~430 per serving (varies with toppings and cheese used)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for texture)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work well)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or more, to taste)
• ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• ½ cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   • Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3. Assemble the Casserole
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
   • Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
   • Add pepperoni slices and other desired toppings evenly across the top.
4. Bake
   • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve
   • Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté onion and garlic, brown ground beef.
3. Stir in sauce, tomatoes, and seasonings; simmer briefly.
4. Mix pasta and sauce in baking dish.
5. Top with cheese, pepperoni, and optional toppings.
6. Bake covered, then uncovered, until golden and bubbly.
7. Rest, garnish, and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread, breadsticks, or focaccia.
• Add a fresh green salad (Caesar or mixed greens).
• Pair with red wine (Chianti, Merlot) or sparkling water with lemon.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Cook pasta just until al dente — it will cook a little more in the oven.
• Let casserole rest before cutting so it holds together better.
• Add toppings like you would on pizza — customize for your family’s favorites!

Variations

• Meat Lovers’ Casserole: Add Italian sausage, bacon, or ham.
• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Skip beef, load up with mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
• Four Cheese Casserole: Use mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
• BBQ Pizza Casserole: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and add chicken.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble casserole, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 20–25 minutes.
• Freezer (Baked): Cool completely, wrap, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Large pot for pasta
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Wooden spoon

FAQ

Q1: Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, rotini, or ziti all work well.

Q2: Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, pre-cooking ensures the pasta cooks evenly.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.

Q4: Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely — ground turkey or chicken works well.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Pizza Casserole is a fun, hearty, and customizable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With cheesy layers, flavorful ground beef sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings, it’s like enjoying a deep-dish pizza and pasta bake in one dish. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this recipe is a must-try for pizza and pasta lovers alike.