Pepperoni Mac and Cheese Bake
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 2 boxes (14 oz each) macaroni and cheese (plus required butter and milk)
- 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: diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or other toppings
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat. - Prepare Mac and Cheese
Cook the macaroni and cheese according to package instructions. - Combine Ingredients
In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked ground beef, prepared macaroni and cheese, and pizza sauce. Stir until evenly combined. Add optional vegetables if desired. - Add Toppings
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture. Place sliced pepperoni on top. Sprinkle garlic powder over everything. - Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pepperoni is slightly crispy. - Serve
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
