Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole

 

Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole: All the Pizza Flavor in One Hearty Bake

Pizza night just got a major upgrade! If you're craving the comforting flavors of a classic pizza — melted cheese, seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce — but want something heartier and easier to feed a crowd, this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is your answer. It’s everything you love about pizza, baked into a cheesy, satisfying, family-friendly casserole.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or potluck gatherings. It combines the flavors of pizza with the ease of a one-dish meal, and it’s endlessly customizable. Kids and adults alike will dig in with gusto, and leftovers (if you have any!) taste just as great the next day.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy masterpiece:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 (16 oz) package pasta (like rotini, penne, or ziti)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

• Red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

4. Add the Sauce

Pour in the pizza sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Mix It Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and pepperoni slices if using.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra golden top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.

8. Garnish and Serve

Let cool slightly, then top with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

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Tips and Variations

• Swap the meat: Try ground turkey, sausage, or plant-based alternatives.

• Make it veggie: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach.

• Go crusty: Mix in croutons or top with garlic bread crumbs for a crust-like finish.

• Use different cheeses: Provolone, Parmesan, or a pizza blend adds depth.

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When to Make It

This Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners — prep ahead and pop in the oven when ready

• Potlucks and parties — easy to transport and always a hit

• Family gatherings — feeds a crowd without the mess of making multiple pizzas

• Freezer meals — assemble ahead and freeze for later

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Final Thoughts

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. With bold pizza flavors, gooey cheese, and a hearty pasta base, Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole brings the best of both worlds together in one delicious dish. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again — because it’s simple, satisfying, and just plain fun to eat.

So next time your crew is asking for pizza, surprise them with this cheesy twist. You might just start a new tradition.