Lovers Pizza Casserole

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Intensity:

• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Beef and Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Assemble Casserole:
   • In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the meat and pasta mixture.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni over the mixture.
   • Repeat with the remaining meat and pasta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg

Enjoy your delicious Lover’s Pizza Casserole!