Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

### Instructions for Making Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

#### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. **Preheat the oven** to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

2. **Boil the pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the **elbow macaroni** (or your choice of pasta) according to the package directions, usually about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
1. **Mix the sauce and seasonings**: In a large bowl, combine the **marinara sauce**, **garlic powder**, and **Italian seasoning** (if using). Stir until the seasonings are well incorporated into the sauce.

2. **Add the pasta and cheese**: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, followed by **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**, **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**, and **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese**. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the cheese and sauce mixture.

3. **Layer the casserole**: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Then, top with a layer of **pepperoni slices**. You can arrange the pepperoni in a single layer, or use more if you want a bigger burst of flavor.

4. **Add more layers**: Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the pepperoni layer and spread it out evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining **pepperoni slices**, ensuring each bite will have plenty of pepperoni goodness.

#### Step 3: Bake the Casserole
1. **Bake the casserole**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **20-25 minutes** until the casserole is hot and bubbly. If you like your cheese extra bubbly, feel free to broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to get the cheese lightly browned and crispy.

2. **Let it rest**: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.

#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Garnish (optional)**: For a little extra flavor, garnish your casserole with some fresh **basil** or **parsley** before serving.

2. **Serve**: Slice the casserole into squares and serve it hot! It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

### Tips for the Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

1. **Use quality pepperoni**: The flavor of the pepperoni really shines in this casserole, so be sure to use a good-quality brand. You can even try turkey pepperoni or a different type of sausage if you prefer.

2. **Customize the toppings**: While pepperoni is a classic choice, feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings to this casserole. Try sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage to make it even more filling.

3. **Add extra cheese**: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be shy about adding more mozzarella or even some provolone or fontina cheese to the casserole for extra gooeyness.

4. **Make it ahead**: This casserole can be made ahead of time! Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time if needed.

5. **Use different pasta shapes**: While elbow macaroni is a popular choice, feel free to use other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells. The pasta will absorb the sauce and cheese beautifully, so choose what you love.

### Why Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a Must-Try

**Pepperoni Pizza Casserole** is a simple yet indulgent dish that takes the flavors of pizza and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole. It’s cheesy, savory, and packed with all the familiar ingredients that make pizza so beloved. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd without the need for a pizza delivery order.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a fun weekend meal, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes.

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving pizza but want to change things up, or simply want a dish that’s quick, filling, and bursting with flavor. **Pepperoni Pizza Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your pizza cravings in the best way possible!