I call this Pepperoni Bake, and kids call it delicious! This hearty and cheesy dish combines the best of hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and pepperoni pizza into one delightful bake.
It’s an easy and comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying hungry kids. With a rich blend of ground beef, macaroni, pizza sauce, and melty cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Bake
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of macaroni and cheese with pizza flavors is a guaranteed hit with kids.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef and pasta, this dish is very satisfying and perfect for a main course.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish quick to prepare.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to make it your own.
- Comfort Food: A warm, cheesy bake that’s perfect for cozy nights at home.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
- Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients for a cost-effective meal.
- Delicious: The blend of hamburger, cheese, and pepperoni is irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs ground hamburger: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and to reduce excess grease.
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese: Any brand will work. Prepare according to package instructions.
- 2 cans pizza sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade pizza sauce for the best flavor.
- Shredded cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Pepperoni slices: You can use regular or turkey pepperoni.
- Garlic seasoning: Adds a delicious pizza-like flavor. Adjust to taste.
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground hamburger until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese:
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling the pasta, draining it, and then mixing it with a cheese sauce packet and some milk and butter.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and the prepared macaroni and cheese. Add the two cans of pizza sauce and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish (such as a 9×13 inch dish), spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Pepperoni:
- Spread a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, covering as much of the surface as you like.
- Sprinkle with garlic seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions and enjoy your delicious Pepperoni Bake!
Tips for Making Perfect Pepperoni Bake
- Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the ground beef, drain the fat to avoid a greasy bake.
- Even Mixing: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed before baking to get an even distribution of flavors.
- Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Additional Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for more variety.
- Seasoning: Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use different types of pasta if you prefer something other than macaroni.
- Sauce Quantity: Adjust the amount of pizza sauce based on your preference for a saucier or drier bake.
- Baking Dish Size: Use a large enough baking dish to avoid overflow and ensure even baking.
- Cheese Layer: Make sure the cheese layer covers the entire top to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the bake sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set.
How to Store Pepperoni Bake
Refrigeration:
- Cool Completely: Allow the bake to cool completely at room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Airtight Container: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the bake is fully cooled before freezing.
- Portion Out: Divide into portions for easier reheating later.
- Wrap and Label: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Pepperoni Bake
From the Refrigerator:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Be aware that the microwave can make the pasta softer.
From the Freezer:
- Thaw (Optional): For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. If thawed, bake for 20-25 minutes. If frozen, bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
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Microwave Option: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on defrost setting until thawed, then heat on high until warmed through.
