A hearty and flavorful casserole combining ground beef, pepperoni, and pasta, topped with melted cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Break the beef into small pieces for even cooking.
Add the chopped onion, diced green pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Stir in the sliced mushrooms, pasta sauce, and half of the pepperoni. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Spread the cooked rigatoni evenly in the greased baking dish.
Ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
Use a spoon to distribute the sauce mixture evenly.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining pepperoni slices.
Layering the cheese ensures a gooey topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Check halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier.