•INGREDIENTS:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1 cup pepperoni slices
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
•INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the meat mixture over the sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Layer with half of the pepperoni slices.
5. Add More Sauce and Layers: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the first layer, then add the remaining meat mixture, and top with the remaining cheese. Finish with the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.