Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture, and stir to combine.
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce and stir until everything is well coated. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to heat through.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While the meat mixture is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In the greased casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, the meat sauce, and the mini pepperoni (or any pizza toppings you’re using). Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
If you want a golden, slightly crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes (keep an eye on it to avoid burning).
6. Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
