A delightful twist on a classic pizza casserole, this dish combines the flavors of pepperoni pizza with the comfort of a baked pasta.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and a perfect bake.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked pasta, pizza sauce, diced green bell pepper, chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and garlic powder.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the sauce coats all the pasta evenly.
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Top the mixture with sliced pepperoni and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Arrange the pepperoni evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Covering the dish helps retain moisture and cook the pasta thoroughly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
Browning the cheese adds a delicious texture and flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.