(for a pop of freshness)
** Preparation Method: **
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter
.
Prepare the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni
and marinara sauce
. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish
.
Add the Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese
and all of the Parmesan cheese over the pasta layer. This will create a gooey, melty base for the toppings.
Layer the Pepperoni:
Arrange the sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese layer
. If using bell peppers and onions, sprinkle them over the pepperoni for added texture and flavor
.
Top with More Cheese:
Cover the entire casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese
for an extra cheesy finish.
Season and Bake:
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the top
. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top
.
Let It Rest:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve
.
Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired
. Slice and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for the ultimate meal
.
** Ready to Serve! **
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the perfect blend of pasta, cheese, and pizza toppings—all baked into one comforting dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying your own pizza cravings, this recipe is a winner!
