Pizza Pasta Casserole (Gluten Free, High Protein)

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American, Italian

Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 375 F

Servings: 8

Calories: 415

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

1/2 large yellow onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
3 tsp garlic (minced)
1 lb. beef (organic, grass-fed)
1 tsp oregano (dried)
1 tsp basil (dried)
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 cup beef broth (organic, grass-fed - Use the code COOKINGKATIELADY for 20% off at Kettle and Fire!)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (make sure it is gluten free. Some brands are not gluten free!)
1 tsp hot sauce (or to taste)
32 oz. marinara sauce (organic - The Good & Gather brand at Target makes my favorite, clean organic marinara sauce!)
12 oz. penne pasta (organic, gluten free - I use the brand Jovial. HIGHLY recommend)
1/4 cup parmesan (freshly grated)
1 1/4 cup mozzarella (freshly grated)
25 slices pepperoni (organic turkey pepperoni - I use the Applegate brand of organic turkey pepperoni as a healthier option.)
mushrooms (1 handful, or any other pizza toppings you like! There are endless options.)

Instructions

1
Spray a 9x13 inch deep casserole dish with avocado oil and set aside. Also preheat your oven to 375°F.
2
Heat up a large pot of salted water to bring to a boil. Meanwhile, also heat up the olive oil in a large deep skillet or wok over medium/high heat. I use this wok.
3
Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Add the ground beef, break it up into small pieces, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4
Add the green bell peppers and cook until the ground beef is completely cooked.
5
Add the pasta to your boiling water while the meat is finishing cooking through. Once the meat is cooked, add in seasonings, broth, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and marinara to your wok. Stir to combine and simmer until pasta is al dente.
6
Add the cooked pasta and the Parmesan cheese to the wok. Mix to combine. Turn off heat.
7
Add the mixture to your casserole dish. Top with the mozzarella and then layer on the pepperoni, mushrooms, and any other desired pizza toppings.
8
Bake for 20 minutes uncovered & enjoy! You can also broil for a few minutes at the end.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1 caramel (not including coating - will vary on how much you use & brand)

Amount Per Serving
Calories 415kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16.3g26%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 61.2mg21%
Sodium 687.1mg29%
Total Carbohydrate 43.9g15%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g17%
Sugars 5.9g
Protein 23g46%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.