The ultimate mashup of two all-time comfort foods! Tender pasta tossed in a rich, savory meat sauce, then baked under a thick, bubbly pizza crust layer of mozzarella and crispy pepperoni.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 people (Party Size)
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz): Elbow macaroni (or Cavatappi/Penne pasta)
- 1.5 lbs: Ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
- 1 small: Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves: Garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz): Premium marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/4 cup: Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp: Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 tsp: Garlic powder
- To taste: Salt and crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 to 4 cups: Shredded Mozzarella cheese (thick cut for a better pull)
- 4 oz package: Sliced pepperoni
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish or a disposable aluminum foil catering pan with cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente (do not overcook, as it continues to cook in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is fully browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let the meat sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Combine: Toss the drained macaroni and grated Parmesan cheese directly into the meat sauce, folding gently until every piece of pasta is fully coated. Turn off the heat.
- Layer the Dish: Pour the meaty pasta mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer.
- Add the Pizza Toppings: Cover the entire surface with a thick, even blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices in clean rows on top of the cheese, and finish with a light pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is entirely melted, bubbly, and shows beautiful golden-brown patches. For extra-crispy pepperoni, pop it under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes so it stabilizes before scooping, then serve hot and enjoy!