Name: Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 1/2 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup diced mushrooms; 1/2 tsp fresh thyme; 1/2 tsp fresh oregano; 1/2 tsp fresh basil; Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste; 1 jar spaghetti sauce ( I used Prego chunky tomato, onion and garlic; 8 oz. rigatoni pasta; 2 1/2 cups cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend; 1/2 cup Sliced pepperoni

This easy pizza pasta casserole recipe is one that will have the whole family come running. The spicy sliced pepperoni provides the zip in this casserole and also gives it the pizza name.

Perfect for busy week nights, this recipe is so easy to do and comes together quickly. It’s almost as fast as making hamburger helper and so much more delicious.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. My favorite pizza used to be hamburger, pepperoni and mushrooms, so that is what went into my casserole. But if you like sausage, and peppers, go for it. Also , any pasta will work well.

I have long ago stopped enjoying pizzas themselves, (calories and just not fond of them anymore) but I still love a pizza inspired dish. Changing it up a bit by making it into a casserole pleases those in my family who still enjoy pizza and satisfies me too.

This is the dish without the extra pepperoni and cheese. It is just oozing with goodness and fabulous flavor! (and perfect for another night if you don’t want the extra calories!)

And here it is ready to go into the oven. Pizza anyone?

Serve this easy casserole with a tossed salad and side of garlic bread and you will have a winner on your hands.

Yield: 6

Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced mushrooms
1/2 tsp fresh thyme
1/2 tsp fresh oregano
1/2 tsp fresh basil
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
1 jar spaghetti sauce ( I used Prego chunky tomato, onion and garlic
8 oz. rigatoni pasta
2 1/2 cups cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend
1/2 cup Sliced pepperoni

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350ºf. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water.

Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet with the onion, garlic, mushrooms and seasonings; drain.

Combine the beef mixture with the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce and 2 cups of the cheese. Stir well to combine.

Pour into a lightly greased 8x8-inch square baking dish.

Top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and enough pepperoni to cover the top of the casserole.

Bake at 350* for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve with a tossed salad and garlic bread. Enjoy!