Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pepperoni Penne Casserole

Teresa Ambra

Gluten Free Living – 2017

This Pepperoni Penne Casserole is absolutely fantastic. Of course, I love any kind of pasta anyway, but this one is really terrific. It includes a gluten free penne pasta in a marinara sauce with spinach, mushrooms and bell peppers. It’s seasoned with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and fennel seed. Then it’s covered with three cheeses: ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella. After that’s it’s topped with loads of miniature pepperoni for incredibly good flavor.

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Last month we had our Friday night care group over to our house and I made this delicious recipe. For those trying to cut back a little on calories, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni. If you’re not concerned with making the dish gluten free, than any kind of pasta can be substituted as well. Our group absolutely loved this entree. If you’re a pasta lover, I think you’ll agree.

This was one of those entrees that everyone went back for seconds! I loved the taste of it, especially since I amped up the flavors with the red pepper flakes. If you’re looking for a scrumptious Italian casserole that your family will love, then give Pepperoni Penne Casserole a try the next time you want to prepare a delicious meal.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pepperoni Penne Casserole is a fantastic pasta entree.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

For those of you who love pasta but have issues with gluten, this recipe uses a gluten free penne pasta.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Every bite of Pepperoni Penne Casserole is so mouthwatering.

Here’s what I did.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

I used these ingredients.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Brown beef in a Dutch oven. Add onions, garlic, bell peppers and mushrooms and saute a few minutes until veggies are tender. Add spinach and cook an additional minute or two. Drain any grease.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Add 4 cups spaghetti sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese and seasonings and stir to combine. Add cooked, drained gluten free penne pasta and stir to combine.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pour mixture into a greased 9×13″ glass baking dish.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pour remaining 2 cups spaghetti sauce over top.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Top with parmesan cheese, remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. (I used about 5 ounces which was a little overkill!)

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes until recipe is hot and bubbly.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pepperoni Penne Casserole is a wonderful pasta dish the whole family will enjoy.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

This gooey Italian main dish has terrific flavor and texture.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Time for a bite!

Here’s the recipe.

PEPPERONI PENNE CASSEROLE

(My own concoction)

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pepperoni Penne Casserole

Teresa Ambra
Pepperoni Penne Casserole will knock your socks off! This fabulous pasta dish includes beef, pepperoni, three cheeses, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers and gluten free penne pasta. Perfect for family or company dinners. Because it makes a lot, it's terrific for leftovers and lunches. If you enjoy Italian entrees, this one should be in your monthly repertoire. Make it gluten free, or not, depending on your preference.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 15
Calories 343 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large stock pot with lid
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large Dutch oven with lid
  • 1 hamburger chopper to chop meat down into tiny pieces while frying
  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz. pkg. Ronzoni gluten free penne pasta or other tube pasta (you can also use regular pasta)
  • 2 1/4 lbs. 96% lean ground beef
  • 48 oz. jar spaghetti sauce (your favorite) (two 24-oz. jars)
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 8 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese
  • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp. fennel seed
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2.5 oz. miniature pepperoni sliced, (I used 5-oz. but you may find this too much)

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain in colander.
  • Meanwhile, brown beef in a large Dutch oven.
  • Use a hamburger chopper to cut the meat down in small pieces while frying.
  • If necessary, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. (If the meat sticks).
  • Brown beef, then add mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and garlic and sauté a few minutes until veggies become tender.
  • Stir in spinach and cook an additional minute or two.
  • Drain any grease.
  • Add 4 cups spaghetti sauce, 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, Ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fennel seed and pepper.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Add cooked and drained gluten free pasta and stir again.
  • Pour mixture into a greased 9x13” glass baking dish.
  • Pour remaining 2 cups of spaghetti sauce over top of beef/pasta mixture.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then remaining cup of Mozzarella cheese.
  • Top with miniature pepperoni slices.
  • Cover with foil and bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese melts.

Notes

NOTE: While I used about 5-ounces of pepperoni, that was probably a little bit overkill! If you use this much pepperoni you may have to pat dry the top of the casserole to remove excess grease.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 26gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 739mgPotassium: 665mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1066IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 4mg
Keyword beef, gluten free, ground beef, main dish, mozzarella cheese, noodles, pasta, pepperoni, spinach
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

I added a LOT of pepperoni, but you don’t have to use as much as I did.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pepperoni Penne Casserole makes a lot. You can get about 10 servings out of this casserole.

Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pepperoni really kicks up the taste of this delicious casserole.

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Supreme Pizza Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #pasta #casserole is filled with #fettucini, #mozzarella, #parmesan & #pepperoni. It's like eating #pizza in #pasta form! Totally delicious & kid friendly. #beef

Cavatini

Cavatini | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this kid-friendly #pasta #casserole includes spaghetti sauce #pepperoni, #mozzarella cheese & #glutenfree rotini noodles. So easy & delicious.

Baked Pizza Pasta

Baked Pizza Pasta | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen
Pepperoni Penne Casserole | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this terrific #pasta dish includes 3 cheeses, #spinach, #pepperoni & #glutenfree #pasta. Amazing flavors. #beef

Pepperoni Penne Casserole

Teresa Ambra
Pepperoni Penne Casserole will knock your socks off! This fabulous pasta dish includes beef, pepperoni, three cheeses, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers and gluten free penne pasta. Perfect for family or company dinners. Because it makes a lot, it’s terrific for leftovers and lunches. If you enjoy Italian entrees, this one should be in your monthly repertoire. Make it gluten free, or not, depending on your preference.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 15
Calories 343 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large stock pot with lid
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large Dutch oven with lid
  • 1 hamburger chopper to chop meat down into tiny pieces while frying
  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz. pkg. Ronzoni gluten free penne pasta or other tube pasta (you can also use regular pasta)
  • 2 1/4 lbs. 96% lean ground beef
  • 48 oz. jar spaghetti sauce (your favorite) (two 24-oz. jars)
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 8 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese
  • 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp. fennel seed
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2.5 oz. miniature pepperoni sliced, (I used 5-oz. but you may find this too much)

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain in colander.
  • Meanwhile, brown beef in a large Dutch oven.
  • Use a hamburger chopper to cut the meat down in small pieces while frying.
  • If necessary, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. (If the meat sticks).
  • Brown beef, then add mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and garlic and sauté a few minutes until veggies become tender.
  • Stir in spinach and cook an additional minute or two.
  • Drain any grease.
  • Add 4 cups spaghetti sauce, 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, Ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fennel seed and pepper.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Add cooked and drained gluten free pasta and stir again.
  • Pour mixture into a greased 9×13” glass baking dish.
  • Pour remaining 2 cups of spaghetti sauce over top of beef/pasta mixture.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then remaining cup of Mozzarella cheese.
  • Top with miniature pepperoni slices.
  • Cover with foil and bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese melts.

Notes

NOTE: While I used about 5-ounces of pepperoni, that was probably a little bit overkill! If you use this much pepperoni you may have to pat dry the top of the casserole to remove excess grease.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 26gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 739mgPotassium: 665mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1066IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 4mg
Keyword beef, gluten free, ground beef, main dish, mozzarella cheese, noodles, pasta, pepperoni, spinach
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

2 Comments

  • Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess

    July 10, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    I love those cute little pepperonis! Pasta is my weakness, besides chocolate of course! 🙂
    Happy Monday!

    1. Teresa

      July 11, 2017 at 10:23 am

      Hi, Kim. Yes, me too. I love pepperoni and this pasta is a real indulgence. 🙂

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