Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground Italian sausage or beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
6. Spread half of the sauce mixture over the pasta.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
8. Add a layer of sliced pepperoni.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella.
10. Top the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
13. Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
14. Serve hot, and enjoy the savory goodness of Pepperoni Pizza Casserole!