Pepperoni Mac and Cheese Bake
This ultimate comfort food mashup combines hearty ground beef, creamy boxed mac and cheese, and all your favorite zesty pizza flavors into one incredibly easy casserole. It is a guaranteed family-pleaser that comes together in a flash!
What You Need :
3 lbs ground beef
2 boxes (14 oz each) macaroni and cheese (plus the butter/milk required on the box)
2 cans (15 oz each) pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional add-ins: Diced bell peppers, onions, or your other favorite pizza toppings
Optional garnish: Fresh basil or parsley
How to Make It :
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an extra-large baking dish (or two 9×13-inch pans, since this makes a massive amount of food!).
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until completely browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drain off any excess fat.
Make the Mac and Cheese: While the beef is browning, boil the macaroni and prepare the boxed mac and cheese according to the package instructions.
Assemble the Base: In your large baking dish, combine the cooked ground beef, the prepared macaroni and cheese, and both cans of pizza sauce. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. (Note: If you are adding hidden veggies like diced onions or peppers, mix them in here!)
Add the Pizza Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the meaty mac and cheese mixture. Arrange your sliced pepperoni right on top of the cheese.
Season and Bake: Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly across the top of the casserole to give it that authentic, delicious pizza parlor flavor. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.
Serve: You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni edges are slightly crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve to your hungry crowd!
Make-Ahead Tip: You can easily assemble this entire bake earlier in the day! Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to pop it in the oven. (You may just need to add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold).