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!