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Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 113 reviews

This hearty and flavorful Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of both worlds—pasta and pizza—into one comforting baked dish. Ground meats, vibrant bell peppers, savory sauces, and gooey cheese come together in a delicious casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Topped with pepperoni and melted mozzarella, this robust recipe offers a satisfying and cheesy experience reminiscent of your favorite pizzeria.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • ½ lb lean ground beef
  • ½ lb ground Italian sausage
  • ½ large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • 32 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup pizza sauce

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp paprika powder
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Pasta and Cheese

  • ¾ lb penne pasta
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Toppings and Garnish

  • 20 slices pepperoni
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions, but drain it one minute before al dente.
  2. Cook Meat and Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped yellow onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat starts to brown.
  3. Add Bell Peppers: Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the meat is fully browned and vegetables softened. Drain excess grease from the pan to reduce fat.
  4. Add Broth and Deglaze: Pour in ½ cup of beef broth and use a spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—it adds rich flavor to the dish.
  5. Stir in Aromatics and Spices: Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), dried basil, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and pizza sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce with a nutty taste and creamy texture.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta if not done yet, and add it directly to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful meat sauce mixture.
  9. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to level the surface.
  10. Add Mozzarella and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Place the 20 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese layer for a classic pizza flavor boost.
  11. Cover and Bake: Spray a piece of foil with cooking oil to prevent sticking and cover the casserole dish tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
  12. Bake Until Golden: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
  13. Garnish and Serve: Remove casserole from the oven and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
  • For a spicier casserole, use spicy Italian sausage and keep the hot sauce and red pepper flakes; omit for milder flavor.
  • If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder or flakes work well in a pinch.
  • Using a combination of marinara and pizza sauce intensifies the pizza flavor; you can adjust ratios to your liking.
  • Other tubular pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli can be used instead of penne.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the meats and pepperoni and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Covering the casserole with sprayed foil prevents cheese from sticking and helps maintain moisture.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.

Keywords: pizza pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, Italian casserole, pepperoni pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/pizza-pasta-casserole-recipe/