Why You’ll Love this Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Everyone needs a go-to dish that combines comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor—and this Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole checks all those boxes.
I’m talking about layers of savory beef, pepperoni, and cheese that’ll have your family asking for seconds before they’ve finished firsts.
What I love most? It’s basically pizza in casserole form, without the fuss of making dough.
The bacon adds that smoky element while the fluffy batter creates a perfect crust-like topping. Can you imagine anything more satisfying on a busy weeknight?
Plus, you can prep it ahead and bake when ready—perfect for my sometimes chaotic dinner schedule.
What Ingredients are in Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
This casserole is basically your favorite pizza transformed into a hearty, layered dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. What makes it so special is how it combines all those classic pizza flavors—tangy sauce, savory meats, and melty cheese—with a unique batter topping that creates something between a pizza and a pot pie.
The ingredients list might look long at first glance, but most of these items are probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (plus another 1/2 cup for topping)
- Seasoning salt (or regular table salt)
- Black pepper
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1/4 pound pepperoni, chopped
- 1/2-1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1 cup canned mushrooms, drained
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
One thing I love about this recipe is its flexibility. Not a fan of mushrooms? Leave them out. Want more pepperoni? Go ahead and add it—I won’t tell anyone.
The base ingredients create that unmistakable pizza flavor profile, but you can easily customize based on what your family loves or what you have on hand. Just remember that the batter ingredients (milk, oil, eggs, flour) create that special topping that sets this casserole apart from a regular pizza, so those are the ones you don’t want to substitute too dramatically.
How to Make this Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
This casserole comes together in layers, starting with a flavorful meat base and ending with a unique batter topping. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef along with the chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of garlic, and green bell pepper until the meat is no longer pink. This creates that savory foundation that makes this dish so satisfying. Don’t forget to drain the fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Next, stir in 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture, followed by 2 cups of your favorite pizza sauce, the chopped pepperoni (about 1/4 pound), 1/2-1 teaspoon of Italian herb seasoning, and 1 cup of drained canned mushrooms. Let this mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld those flavors together.
Meanwhile, prepare the batter topping by combining 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon oil, and 2 eggs in a separate bowl. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper until well combined.
To assemble the casserole, spoon the meat mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle 3 cups of grated mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the chopped bacon (8 slices worth). Pour the batter over everything, making sure it covers the cheese completely, then finish with a sprinkle of the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
The beauty of this recipe is you can prepare it ahead of time—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to eat, pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it’s golden brown on top. The result is a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that combines the best of pizza flavors with the heartiness of a casserole.
Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While making this hearty pizza casserole, you’ll likely find yourself wondering about possible substitutions or variations to suit your family’s tastes or what’s available in your pantry.
I’m all about flexibility in recipes. Ground turkey makes a leaner option than beef, while Italian sausage adds extra flavor. No pepperoni? Try salami or ham.
Vegetarians can swap in plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms. The cheese is customizable too—cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack work beautifully.
And those veggies? Toss in olives, spinach, or zucchini. Can’t do dairy? There are decent non-dairy cheese alternatives now. Truly adaptable comfort food.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Selecting the perfect side dishes for your Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole can elevate your meal from simply satisfying to absolutely memorable.
I’m a firm believer that balance is key. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while garlic breadsticks provide that comforting carb companion we all crave.
Want something more substantial? Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts add nutritional heft without competing with those bold pizza flavors.
For family gatherings, I’ll suggest a simple antipasto platter with olives and marinated veggies.
Can’t decide? Water with lemon. Simple, invigorating, perfect.
Final Thoughts
After creating countless variations of this Ground Beef Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, I’ve come to appreciate how it brilliantly combines two family favorites—pizza and casserole—into one satisfying dish.
The layers of savory ground beef, pepperoni, and cheese create something truly special that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
What I love most? Its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. No mushrooms? Try olives instead. Vegetarian guests? Double up on the veggies and skip the meat.
Much like the beloved Funeral Potatoes casserole, this dish delivers comforting flavors that make it perfect for large gatherings and potlucks.
For those who enjoy Italian-inspired comfort foods, this recipe offers similar satisfaction to baked ziti with its hearty texture and cheese-filled goodness.
Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to comfort food for busy weeknights. Pure magic in a 13×9 dish.
