IT’S NOT QUITE PIZZA CASSEROLE

This recipe is actually from a friend who made several double batches to bring to me after my husband passed away.  Excellent tasting and great comfort food, this casserole went a long way and fed a lot of people.  For a family meal just buy a bag of salad greens and toss with Italian dressing and your meal is complete.  If you do have a little extra money, buy some frozen garlic Texas toast to add to the meal and everyone will walk away from the table full and satisfied. 

While this recipe is very easy to make, people on really tight budgets may feel it is a bit expensive to make once you add in the cost of cheese and pepperoni.  Do not forget that these are not meant to be gourmet recipes, so you don’t have to go out and buy the best quality pepperoni or cheese.  Buy the least expensive items the store has to offer.

What you need

9 x 13 pan (glass preferable but not necessary)
1 Large Onion
1 lb. Ground beef
3 Tbsp. Oregano
2 Tbsp. Garlic Salt
½ of 1 16 oz. box of Elbow Macaroni
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 pkg. with at least 50 slices pepperoni
4 cups shredded mozzarella

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325^o
Cook 8 oz. of elbow macaroni to the doneness you desire.  Rinse and drain very well
Cook onion in large skillet until translucent
Add ground beef to onion and cook until browned through
Drain excess grease from ground beef mixture and return to skillet
To ground beef mixture, add the 3 tbsp. oregano and 2 tbsp. garlic salt, elbow macaroni and spaghetti sauce.  Heat until spaghetti sauce is slightly bubbling and everything is mixed together well.

Cooking:

Add contents of skillet to your 9 x 13 pan.  Place slices of pepperoni on top, trying to cover entire area.  Load with mozzarella on top, spreading evenly over casserole.  Bake uncovered at 325^o for 30-40 minutes.  Start checking casserole after 30 minutes.  Casserole is done when cheese has completely melted and starts to brown slightly.  Serves 6 – 8.


Note:  Many recipes when doubled do not work well when you double all ingredients.  If you choose to double this recipe, just double everything.