Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole

### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole

#### Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling the egg noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain and set them aside. This will be the pasta base for the casserole, giving it that perfect pizza-like texture.

#### Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

#### Step 3: Add the Pizza Sauce and Seasonings
Once the vegetables have softened, add the pizza sauce, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

#### Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread half of the cooked noodles as the first layer. Next, spoon half of the beef and pizza sauce mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the beef mixture. Repeat this layering process with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese.

#### Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted. For a golden, bubbly top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired. This will add a fresh pop of color and flavor to your casserole.

### Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole

– **Pizza Flavors in Casserole Form**: This cheesy beef pizza casserole gives you all the flavors of pizza, but in an easy-to-make, hearty casserole form. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that the whole family will love.
– **Comforting and Filling**: With its layers of beef, pasta, pizza sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is a filling and comforting meal that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
– **Easy to Make**: No need to worry about dough or a pizza oven. This casserole is quick to put together, and most of the ingredients come together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.
– **Customizable**: You can easily adjust this casserole to your taste. Swap the pepperoni for sausage or add more vegetables like mushrooms or olives for extra flavor and variety.

### Tips and Variations

– **Add More Toppings**: Feel free to load up your casserole with extra pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage. It’s a great way to personalize the dish to your preferences.
– **Use a Different Pasta**: While egg noodles work perfectly for this casserole, you can swap them for other pastas like rotini, penne, or rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta you choose can hold up to the sauce and cheese.
– **Spicy Kick**: If you like things a little spicier, add some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the beef mixture for an extra layer of heat.
– **Make it Ahead**: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out.

### Final Thoughts

**Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food for pizza lovers who want something hearty, cheesy, and easy to make. With its rich layers of seasoned beef, pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and pasta, this casserole is the perfect dinner for busy nights or casual gatherings. It’s a fun and filling dish that brings the classic flavors of pizza into a whole new form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a warm, cheesy meal, this casserole will not disappoint. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the perfect pizza-inspired casserole!