Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
A comforting casserole filled with pasta, marinara, cheese, and pepperoni, perfect for family gatherings and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta The spirals hold onto the cheese and sauce beautifully.
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce Choose your favorite for added flavor depth.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Go for full-fat for that stretchy goodness!
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni The star of the dish; switch to turkey or veggie pepperoni if desired.
- ½ cup bell peppers, chopped Any color works, choose what's freshest!
- ½ cup sliced black olives Provide a briny richness; omit if not a fan.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning For that classic pizza flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Enhances all the flavors of the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the rotini until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, olives, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Layer the sliced pepperoni over the pasta, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Cooking
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve.
Notes
Consider healthier swaps like whole-grain pasta. Seasonal flavors can be added based on the time of year. Add red pepper flakes for heat, or make it meatless with additional veggies.