Pepperoni Pizza Hamburger Helper Recipe: Cheesy One-Pan Dinner

I was craving serious comfort food — something hearty that would stick to my ribs and warm me up. No salads for the main course. The star had to be this pepperoni pizza hamburger helper: every bite tastes like a loaded pepperoni pizza without the delivery. It’s simple to make in one pot with a handful of ingredients and a little time.

This Is The Real Deal

If you want an extra punch of pizza flavor, substitute crumbled bulk Italian sausage for the ground beef, but the recipe is delicious as written. This pepperoni pizza hamburger helper reheats well — you may need to stir in a splash of water or extra marinara if it thickens in the fridge. The result is a cozy, familiar dish that delivers those pizza flavors in an easy, home-cooked form.

A heavy Dutch oven or large skillet works great for this dish. A sturdy pot holds and distributes heat evenly, which helps build flavor and makes cleanup straightforward.

Also try a cheeseburger hamburger helper for another comfort-food twist.

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Pepperoni Pizza Hamburger Helper

Every bite tastes like a loaded pepperoni pizza — but all made in one pot at home.

Course
Main

Cuisine
American

Keyword
Hamburger helper, pepperoni, pizza

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Servings
8

Calories
591kcal

Author
Inspired by a recipe from Dinner Then Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 pound medium pasta shells
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 6 ounces pepperoni, quartered
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain but do not rinse.
2. Heat a large skillet over high heat and crumble in the ground beef.
3. Cook until browned and slightly crusty at the edges, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef to a paper towel–lined plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
6. Once the butter melts, add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until they begin to soften.
7. Return the beef to the pan and add the marinara, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir. If the mixture seems dry, add more marinara or a splash of water.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella until melted and well combined.
10. Serve topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add sliced mushrooms with the pepper and onion for a tasty variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 591 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 48 g
|
Protein: 29 g
|
Fat: 31 g

Nutritional values are approximate.