Joe Roshkovsky
Peppy Pizza Pepperoni Bake: A Zesty Twist on a Classic Dish
The Peppy Pizza Pepperoni Bake is a delightful combination of Italian flavors with a fun and unique twist. This dish includes all the beloved components of a traditional pizza, but it’s baked in a casserole form which makes it a perfect option for a crowd-pleasing dinner. Packed with gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 cup of chopped onion
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
– 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
– 4 cups of uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of sliced pepperoni
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and tomato mixture. Mix well to ensure all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
6. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices. Repeat layers.
7. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy the delectable Peppy Pizza Pepperoni Bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will adore!
