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Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

Baked Pizza Pasta is a comforting and flavorful fusion dish combining the best of pizza and pasta. This hearty casserole features penne pasta mixed with a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, and rich marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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 Liquids

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

Cheeses

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

Other Toppings and Seasonings

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the 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. Sauté the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Cook aromatics: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the meat in the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, pizza sauce, and beef broth. Then add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and meat mixture.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top, then layer the pepperoni slices evenly. Add the remaining pasta mixture followed by the remaining cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious and filling main dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For extra veggies, add mushrooms, black olives, or spinach.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

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

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