Ground Beef Pizza Casserole Recipe : Easy 30-Minute Dinner!

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If you’re searching for easy hamburger meat recipes that combine comfort, flavor, and simplicity, this Ground Beef Pizza Casserole is your answer. Imagine all the deliciousness of your favorite pizza savory ground beef, melted mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce transformed into a hearty, baked casserole that feeds the whole family. This recipe is one of those quick dinner ideas that feels special enough for company but easy enough for busy Tuesday nights.

What makes this dish truly shine is its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding hungry teenagers, or looking for dinner ideas with ground beef that won’t bore your family, this pizza casserole delivers every time. The combination of penne pasta, Italian sausage, and classic pizza toppings creates a satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes of active prep time, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Pizza Casserole

This recipe checks all the boxes for quick and easy dinner recipes. First, it requires minimal prep work just brown your meat, cook your pasta, and mix everything together. Second, it’s incredibly customizable. Love extra cheese? Add more mozzarella. Prefer spicy food? Toss in some red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. Want to sneak in more vegetables? Bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives all make excellent additions.

Another reason this ranks among the best easy meals with ground beef is its make-ahead friendly nature. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and dinner practically makes itself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef Pizza Casserole uses simple, readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious ground meat recipes for dinner masterpiece:

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe efficiently, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll use:

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta. A quality pot ensures even heating.
• Large skillet – For browning the meat. A good frying pan is essential for proper searing.
• Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients. Multiple mixing bowls make prep easier.
• 9×13 inch baking dish – Standard casserole size that fits perfectly in any oven.
• Cutting board – For chopping vegetables. A sturdy cutting board is a kitchen must-have.
• Sharp knives – For efficient prep work. Quality chef’s knives save time.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements. A complete measuring cups and spoons set ensures consistency.
• Kitchen utensils – Wooden spoons and spatulas. Essential kitchen utensils for stirring and serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Ground Beef Pizza Casserole. This is truly one of those lazy dinners that doesn’t taste lazy at all!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 11-13 minutes. You want the pasta slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta using a colander strainer basket and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta the starch helps the sauce cling better.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

While the pasta cooks, heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or kitchen utensil as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 8-10 minutes until no pink remains. The combination of beef and sausage creates incredible depth of flavor that makes this one of the best hamburger meat recipes around. Once fully cooked, drain off the excess grease and transfer the meat to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Now comes the fun part mixing everything together! To your mixing bowl with the cooked meat, add the pepperoni (slice it into smaller pieces if using whole slices), chopped bell pepper, onion, parmesan cheese, oregano, minced garlic, mushrooms, and black olives. The chopping is quick work with sharp chef’s knives and a good cutting board.

Add your cooked and drained penne pasta to the bowl, followed by the entire jar of marinara sauce. Use kitchen utensils to toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and all ingredients are well distributed. The mixture should look like a deconstructed pizza in a bowl!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Now for the best part sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Use more cheese if you love it extra cheesy (and who doesn’t?).

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Expert Tips for Success

To make this ground meat recipes for dinner even better, keep these professional tips in mind:

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it continues cooking in the oven, aim for slightly underdone pasta when boiling.
• Drain the meat well – Excess grease makes the casserole oily and less appealing.
• Use quality cheese – Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
• Customize your toppings – Add your favorite pizza toppings like jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or Italian sausage.
• Make it ahead – Assemble completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Double the recipe – This freezes beautifully! Make two casseroles and freeze one for later.
• Use a meat thermometer – Ensure your ground beef reaches 160°F for food safety.

Variations to Try

One reason this ranks among the best easy meals with ground beef is its adaptability. Try these delicious variations:

Lighter Version

Use ground turkey or ground chicken recipes instead of beef and sausage. Choose whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese by half. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes to bulk up the nutrition without adding calories.

Spicy Pizza Casserole

Use hot Italian sausage, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra kick.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the meat entirely and double up on vegetables. Try adding eggplant, zucchini, spinach, and extra mushrooms. The marinara sauce and cheese provide plenty of flavor.

Supreme Pizza Style

Add Canadian bacon, extra peppers (red, yellow, and orange), red onions, and pineapple chunks for a supreme pizza-inspired version.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Pizza Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can round out your dinner with these sides:

• Fresh garden salad with Italian dressing
• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• Caesar salad with homemade dressing
• Steamed green beans with butter and garlic

Storage and Reheating

This casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers:

Refrigerator Storage: Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Freezer Storage: This casserole freezes exceptionally well! Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick single-serving meals.

Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce if needed. Microwave reheating works for individual portions use a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute any short pasta shape like rigatoni, ziti, rotini, or even shells. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine as they don’t work as well in casseroles.

Can I make this without sausage?

Yes! Simply use 1.5 pounds of ground beef instead of the beef and sausage combination. The dish will still be delicious, though the sausage does add extra flavor and seasoning.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

Make sure to drain your pasta well and remove all excess grease from the cooked meat. Also, avoid using extra sauce beyond what the recipe calls for. If you add vegetables like zucchini, sauté them first to remove excess moisture.

Can I use homemade pasta sauce?

Definitely! Homemade marinara or pizza sauce works wonderfully. Just make sure you have about 24 ounces (3 cups) total to properly coat the pasta and ingredients.

What can I substitute for pepperoni?

Try Canadian bacon, cooked bacon pieces, salami, or even grilled chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni entirely and add more vegetables or leave it as is.

Why is my casserole dry?

This usually happens if the pasta was overcooked initially or if there wasn’t enough sauce. Make sure your pasta is al dente before baking, and ensure the mixture looks well-coated with sauce before it goes into the oven. You can always add extra marinara if needed.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Use two 9×13 inch pans or one very large roasting pan. Keep in mind that baking time may increase slightly for larger quantities.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so! Most kids love pizza flavors, and this casserole format is easy for little hands to eat. You can customize it based on their preferences leave out olives or mushrooms if they’re picky eaters.

Why This Recipe Works

This Ground Beef Pizza Casserole succeeds because it combines familiar, beloved flavors in a convenient format. The pasta provides substance and soaks up all the delicious sauce. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage creates layers of savory flavor that can’t be achieved with just one meat. The vegetables add freshness and texture, while the melted cheese on top creates that irresistible golden crust everyone fights over.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility it’s structured enough that beginners can follow it easily, yet forgiving enough that experienced cooks can improvise and make it their own. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this casserole delivers consistent, delicious results.

Conclusion

When you need reliable quick and easy dinner recipes that the whole family will enjoy, this Ground Beef Pizza Casserole is your go-to solution. It combines the convenience of a one-dish meal with the crowd-pleasing appeal of pizza, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings. The prep work is minimal, the ingredients are affordable and accessible, and the result is a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, you’ll find this casserole becomes a regular rotation in your weekly menu plan. It’s comfort food at its finest warm, cheesy, flavorful, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. So grab your pots, frying pans, and mixing bowls, and get ready to create a dinner that will have your family singing your praises!

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Ground Beef Pizza Casserole Recipe : Easy 30-Minute Dinner!

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A hearty and delicious Ground Beef Pizza Casserole that combines all your favorite pizza flavors with penne pasta. This easy one-dish meal features savory ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners!

• Author: Sara
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 8
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

4 cups penne pasta

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 pound pork sausage (Jimmy Dean preferred)

4 ounces pepperoni

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can sliced mushrooms (optional)

1 small can sliced black olives

24 ounce jar marinara pasta sauce

1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove grease.

3. Add cooked meat to a large mixing bowl. Add pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic, mushrooms and olives. Add noodles and pasta sauce then toss to combine.

4. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Sprinkle 1-2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like jalapeños, extra vegetables, or different meats.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Don’t overcook the pasta initially as it will continue cooking in the oven.