Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole
If you’re craving the comforting flavors of pizza but want something a little heartier and more filling, this cheesy beef pizza casserole is the perfect dish.
It combines the deliciousness of a classic pizza with the warmth of a hearty casserole, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
The layers of savory beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta come together in a way that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Mixture:
-1 lb ground beef
-1 medium onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
-1 tsp dried oregano
-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
-12 lasagna noodles or any pasta of your choice (cooked and drained)
-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
-1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef starts to brown, add the diced onion and garlic. Continue to cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Next, pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, and stir in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
then let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles (or your preferred pasta) according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool slightly.
In a large baking dish, begin layering the casserole. Start with a layer of pasta at the bottom, followed by a portion of the beef mixture.
Spread a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese over the beef, then sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
If you like a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
How to Make:
To make this cheesy beef pizza casserole, begin by cooking the ground beef and onions in a skillet until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
Add in the garlic and let it cook for another minute. Once the garlic becomes fragrant, stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and let the mixture simmer to allow the flavors to blend.
While the beef mixture is simmering, cook your pasta. If you are using lasagna noodles, make sure they are cooked al dente so they hold up during the layering process. Drain and set aside.
In a large casserole dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a base of pasta, followed by a layer of beef sauce.
then top with ricotta or cottage cheese and a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
finishing with a thick layer of cheese on top. Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden.
Tips:
You can use any type of pasta for this casserole, not just lasagna noodles. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would work just as well, adding variety to the texture of the dish.
If you prefer a spicier casserole, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
To make this casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge.
When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
For a slightly lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It will still be delicious but with a bit less fat.
Consider adding some of your favorite pizza toppings to the casserole for extra flavor. Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or pepperoni would all be great additions.
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese is a perfect substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still provide the creamy layer that the casserole needs.
For extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle some additional shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the casserole before baking.
Conclusion:
This cheesy beef pizza casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering all the flavors of pizza in a cozy, baked dish.
It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your family’s preferences, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
With its cheesy, savory layers and hearty pasta, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, it’s bound to satisfy everyone at the table.