Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole (OAMC)

Description: This is a kid pleaser-very cheesy and topped with pepperoni. It makes 2 large (9x13) casseroles or 4 small ones; I often divide it in fourths and freeze 3. This originally came from TOH's Quick Cooking.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef or 2 lbs ground venison
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• 16 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (20 oz)
• 8 ounces sliced pepperoni

Steps:

1. Brown ground beef, onion, garlic and seasoning in oil.
2. Drain.
3. While beef is browning, cook pasta according to the packaging
4. Stir in pasta, spaghetti sauce and 3 cups cheese.
5. Place mixture in 2 greased 9x13x2 inch baking pans or 4 square pans.
6. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
7. Top with pepperoni.
8. Cover and freeze up to 3 months.
9. To cook now: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until heated through.
10. To bake frozen casserole: Thaw in refrigerator overnight and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, till hot.