Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 24 oz marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz sliced pepperoni
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and crumbly. Note: This usually takes about 8 minutes.
  2. Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic smells fragrant. Drain excess fat from the pan.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  4. Lower skillet heat to medium. Stir the marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture until melted and velvety.
  5. Fold the cooked pasta and pepperoni into the sauce. Stir until every noodle is thoroughly coated.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  7. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the oregano and red pepper flakes over the top.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is bubbling and mahogany colored.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.