Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

8 servings
This hearty Pizza Pasta combines the flavors of your favorite pizza with comforting pasta, layered with a rich meat sauce made from ground beef and sausage, paired with marinara and pizza sauce, then topped with mozzarella and pepperoni. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is perfect for a family meal that satisfies craving for pizza and pasta all in one.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
    ½ lb
  • ground sausage

    mild, sweet, or hot Italian

    ½ lb
  • yellow onion
    1 small
  • green bell pepper
    1 small
  • garlic
    3 clove
  • beef broth
    ½ c
  • Worcestershire sauce
    2 tsp
  • hot sauce
    1 tsp
  • marinara sauce

    high quality, such as Rao’s

    32 oz
  • pizza sauce

    high quality

    8 oz
  • penne pasta
    ¾ lb
  • Parmesan cheese
    ¼ c
  • whole milk/low moisture mozzarella
    2 ½ c
  • pepperoni
    25 slice
  • oregano
    1 tsp
  • basil
    1 tsp
  • garlic salt
    ½ tsp
  • red pepper flakes
    1 pinch

Directions

  1. 1

    Measure all ingredients before beginning. Heat a large pot of water and bring it to a boil, generously salting the water with about ¾ tablespoon kosher salt. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. 2

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, ground sausage, and diced onions. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add diced green bell pepper and cook 5 more minutes until meat is fully browned. Drain excess grease from skillet.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Pour in beef broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in marinara sauce and pizza sauce until fully incorporated. Let the sauce simmer partially covered on low heat while you cook the pasta, about 8 minutes (1 minute less than al dente according to packaging).

  5. 5

    Reduce sauce heat to low and add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.

  6. 6

    Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish if your skillet is not oven-safe. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by arranging pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.

  7. 7

    Cover the casserole with foil sprayed on the side facing the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

  8. 8

    Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden to your preference. For extra browning, broil at 450°F for about 1 minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  9. 9

    Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve. Enjoy your pizza pasta!

Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

55 min8 servings470 cal

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About this Recipe

The Ultimate Pizza Pasta Bake: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Imagine combining the irresistible flavors of your favorite pizza with the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta dish. That's exactly what you get with this incredible Pizza Pasta Bake! This isn't just a simple casserole; it's a celebration of Italian-American comfort food, designed to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

What makes this baked pasta dish truly special is its layers of flavor. We start with a rich, savory meat sauce featuring both ground beef pasta and flavorful sausage pasta. The blend of ground beef and your choice of mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage creates a depth that's simply unmatched. We then elevate the sauce further with a dynamic duo of high-quality marinara and robust pizza sauce, along with a hint of Worcestershire and hot sauce for that perfect zing.

Once your favorite penne pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, it's combined with this magnificent sauce and then layered generously with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese and classic pepperoni slices. Baked until bubbly and golden, with the pepperoni crisping up beautifully on top, every spoonful of this comfort food masterpiece delivers a delightful burst of cheesy, meaty, pizza-inspired goodness. It's the perfect family meal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, offering all the joy of a homemade pizza in a convenient, hearty casserole form.

Tips & Variations for Your Pizza Pasta Bake:

  • Spice it Up: Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your preference, or opt for spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
  • Veggie Boost: Feel free to sauté diced mushrooms, black olives, or extra bell peppers with the onion for added texture and nutrients.
  • Cheese Please: While mozzarella is classic, a sprinkle of provolone or a dollop of ricotta could add even more creamy deliciousness.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve this Pizza Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread to complete your ultimate comfort meal.

Frequently Asked Questions