Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 25–30 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- The Base: 12 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente.
- The Meat Trio:
- 1/2 lb ground beef, browned and seasoned.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices.
- The Sauce: 24 oz marinara or pizza sauce.
- The Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
- The Aromatics: 1/2 cup diced onions and 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional).
- Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
Instructions
- Boil: Cook the pasta in salted water until just firm. Drain and return to the pot.
- Brown: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onions. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix: Combine the cooked pasta, browned meats, pizza sauce, and seasonings in a large bowl. Stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- Layer: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch glass baking dish.
- Top: Spread an even layer of shredded mozzarella over the pasta. Arrange the pepperoni slices and any additional toppings on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to help the layers set.