Print

Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 11 reviews

This Baked Pizza Pasta combines the best of two beloved dishes—pizza and pasta—into one hearty, flavorful casserole. Featuring penne pasta baked with savory ground beef, Italian sausage, classic pizza seasonings, and a blend of marinara and pizza sauces, it’s topped with melty mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 8 ounces ground beef
  • 8 ounces Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Broth

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth

Cheeses and Toppings

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 25 slices pepperoni

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together until fully browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, pizza sauce, and beef broth. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce mixture for 5-7 minutes to develop flavors.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and meat mixture.
  6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Layer all pepperoni slices evenly on top, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful baked pizza pasta!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage for a lighter version.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding mushrooms or additional vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pizza pasta, pizza pasta casserole, pasta bake, Italian comfort food, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/baked-pizza-pasta-recipe-2/