Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni (Print Version)
Indulgent baked layers of beef, sausage, pepperoni, cheese, and pasta with a golden, bubbling top.
# Ingredients:
→ Meat Sauce
01 -
1 pound ground beef
02 -
1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
03 -
1 small onion, finely diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
24 ounces marinara or pizza sauce
06 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 -
Salt, to taste
09 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Layers
10 -
8 ounces pepperoni slices
11 -
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
2 cups cooked penne pasta
→ Topping
14 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
15 -
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil
# Steps:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until thoroughly browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
02 -
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 -
Stir in marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
04 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a deep 9 by 13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.
05 -
Spread a thin layer of cooked penne pasta on the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Arrange a layer of pepperoni slices evenly on top. Repeat with remaining meat sauce, additional mozzarella and Parmesan, and more pepperoni slices until the dish is nearly full.
06 -
Finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese and a light sprinkling of Parmesan for a golden crust.
07 -
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
08 -
Allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes before slicing for clean layers. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Allowing the dish to rest before serving keeps the layers intact and improves the overall presentation.