Best 3 Pepperoni Ziti Casserole Recipes

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Are you craving a mouthwatering and comforting meal that is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in? Look no further than the delectable pepperoni ziti casserole! This classic pasta bake combines tender ziti noodles, savory pepperoni, melted cheese, and a rich and flavorful sauce to create a dish that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. With its ease of preparation and irresistible taste, the pepperoni ziti casserole is a culinary delight that will quickly become a family favorite.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

ZITI PEPPERONI CASSEROLE



Ziti Pepperoni Casserole image

This is my kids' favorite meal. And it's so easy to prepare, that they often do it themselves! It's very cheesy! I've also made this and cooked it in the microwave during the summer. Freezing instructions included. If you prefer, you may sub in ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese.

Provided by Charmie777

Categories     Meat

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) box ziti pasta, cooked and drained
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, grated (or more)
1/2 lb cheddar cheese, grated (or more)
1/2 lb pepperoni, chopped
1 lb cottage cheese
bell pepper
mushroom
onion

Steps:

  • Set aside some of the cheeses for topping the casserole.
  • Mix remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Spoon into a 13x9 baking dish.
  • Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake at 375º for 40 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
  • To freeze: Cover dish with foil and freeze. When frozen you can pop it out of the container and put in a freezer bag if desired. To heat: Thaw and preheat oven to 350°F Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more.

PEPPERONI ZITI CASSEROLE



Pepperoni Ziti Casserole image

I took a traditional family recipe and put my own nutritious spin on it to create this casserole. The chopped spinach and turkey pepperoni add color and flair. -Andrea Abrahamsen, Brentwood, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package (1 pound) uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
1/2 pound lean ground turkey
2 cans (one 29 ounces, one 8 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook turkey over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the 29-oz. can tomato sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, spinach, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic, garlic powder, pepper flakes and pepper. Drain pasta; fold into turkey mixture., Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine the water and remaining tomato sauce; pour over pasta mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese. Top with pepperoni. , Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 795mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

PEPPERONI ZITI CASSEROLE



Pepperoni Ziti Casserole image

I adapted this recipe for my crock-pot. Having 2 devout carnivores and 1 devout vegetarian in the house, it pleased both. I have a smaller crockpot that I use for my vegetarian crockpot and I added meat last.

Provided by Iam4ever29

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 6h20m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (1 lb) package uncooked ziti pasta
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (8 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces
5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
4 teaspoons italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
1 1/2 ounces pepperoni

Steps:

  • Cook pasta until just tender.
  • Cook ground beef until no longer pink, drain.
  • Transfer meat to a large bowl.
  • Add 29 oz tomato sauce, 1 c mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, spinach, ricotta cheese, Italian Seasoning, garlic, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and pepper.
  • Fold pasta into meat mixture.
  • Pour into crockpot.
  • Combine water and remaining tomato sauce and pour over pasta mixture.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzerella cheese.
  • Top with pepperoni.
  • Cover and bake on low for 5 to 6 hours.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh, flavorful tomatoes, creamy ricotta cheese, and tender ziti pasta are essential.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the ground beef. This will prevent the meat from cooking evenly and can result in a tough texture.
  • Season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat and the overall dish.
  • Don't boil the ziti pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, until it is al dente. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
  • Use a large baking dish to assemble the casserole. This will ensure that the casserole is evenly cooked and that there is plenty of room for the cheese to melt and bubble.
  • Bake the casserole until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will take about 30 minutes.
  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help to prevent the cheese from running out when you cut into it.

Conclusion:

Pepperoni ziti casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of tender ziti pasta, flavorful ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This casserole can be easily customized to your liking, so feel free to add or remove ingredients as desired. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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