Craving Pizza Comfort with a Twist?
Satisfy your cravings with this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole, a creative spin on classic pizza that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks. This hearty dish combines layers of gooey cheese, flavorful beef, and rich marinara sauce into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole.
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
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture.
Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles or pasta.
Spread ricotta or cottage cheese evenly over the noodles.
Sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Variations and Tips:
Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed twist.
Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or pepperoni for a more traditional pizza flavor.
Spice It Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Cheese Choices: Try gouda or provolone for unique flavor variations.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and marinara sauce.
For added texture, broil the casserole for a few minutes to create a crispy, golden top.
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Freezing: Cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes or thaw overnight in the fridge for faster reheating.
With its rich layers and customizable ingredients, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite!
Enjoy!
