Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Layers:
- 8 oz pepperoni slices
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked penne or rotini pasta (optional for added texture)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.
If you’re adding pasta, spread a thin layer of it on the bottom of the dish—this acts as a base to soak up the sauce and cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Now, the fun part—layering.
- First layer: Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly into the bottom of the dish.
- Second layer: Add a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Third layer: Arrange pepperoni slices across the surface.
- Repeat: Add another layer of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni until the dish is nearly full.
- Top layer: Finish with a final spread of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that beautiful golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil (to prevent excessive browning) and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
If you like a slightly crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes slicing easier.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
