Imagine combining the best of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and pasta. This hearty Pizza Pasta Casserole brings together the cheesy, savory flavors of a classic pizza with the filling satisfaction of pasta. It’s loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is bound to become a favorite, especially with its melty cheese and bold flavors.
Ingredients:
Pizza Pasta:
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ½ lb. mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 32 oz. marinara sauce (high quality)
- 8 oz. pizza sauce
- ¾ lb. penne pasta
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 ½ cups whole milk mozzarella, shredded (low moisture)
- 25 slices pepperoni
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Prep Work:
- Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
- Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Once boiling, generously salt the water with ¾ tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the Sauce and Pasta:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion for about 4 minutes.
- Add the green bell pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the meat is fully browned and the peppers are tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in the marinara and pizza sauces, mixing well. Let it simmer on low heat, partially covered, while the pasta cooks.
- Boil the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the al dente time on the package instructions.
- Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drain the pasta and mix it into the skillet with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish (or leave in an oven-safe skillet if suitable).
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese).
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for 1 minute under high heat—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Pasta: Cook the pasta 1 minute less than al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring it absorbs the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Pepperoni: For a less greasy option, blot the pepperoni with a paper towel before layering it on top.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Just bake it the next day and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Cheese: Shredding mozzarella from a block ensures a better melt compared to pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High Protein: Ground beef and sausage provide an excellent source of protein, supporting muscle growth and energy.
- Calcium: The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are rich in calcium, which is essential for bone health.
- Vegetables: Onions and green bell peppers add a subtle crunch and are loaded with vitamins A and C, improving your immune system.
- Whole Ingredients: Using high-quality marinara sauce and freshly shredded mozzarella reduces the intake of processed additives found in pre-packaged alternatives.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the comforting and familiar pizza flavors combined with hearty pasta.
- One-Dish Wonder: This casserole is easy to make and ideal for weeknights, combining all your favorite pizza toppings into one dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other pizza favorites like mushrooms, black olives, or different types of cheese.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for potlucks, game days, or family gatherings. It reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as tasty.
Dietary Information:
- Calories: Approximately 500 per serving (adjustable based on portion size and additional toppings).
- Protein: 30g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 45g per serving
- Fat: 25g per serving
- Allergens: Contains gluten (pasta), dairy (cheese), and possible pork (sausage/pepperoni). Can be modified for dietary restrictions by using gluten-free pasta or vegan cheese alternatives.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe brings the comfort of pasta and pizza into a single, cohesive dish. The combination of two sauces (marinara and pizza) ensures rich, deep flavors, while the ground beef and sausage give the dish a hearty base. Baking it in the oven allows the mozzarella to melt into a gooey, golden perfection, and the pepperoni adds that classic pizza feel. It’s quick, simple, and satisfies multiple cravings at once.
Conclusion:
Pizza Pasta Casserole is a fun, comforting meal that blends two classic favorites into one delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a weeknight dinner solution, this casserole is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Add your favorite pizza toppings, bake to golden perfection, and savor a cheesy, saucy meal that the whole family will love!
Pizza Pasta Casserole: A Comforting, Cheesy Twist on Two Favorites
- Total Time: 55mins
Description
Imagine combining the best of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and pasta. This hearty Pizza Pasta Casserole brings together the cheesy, savory flavors of a classic pizza with the filling satisfaction of pasta. It’s loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is bound to become a favorite, especially with its melty cheese and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Pizza Pasta:
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 32 oz. marinara sauce (high quality)
- 8 oz. pizza sauce
- 3/4 lb. penne pasta
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk mozzarella, shredded (low moisture)
- 25 slices pepperoni
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prep Work:
- Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
- Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Once boiling, generously salt the water with ¾ tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the Sauce and Pasta:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion for about 4 minutes.
- Add the green bell pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the meat is fully browned and the peppers are tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in the marinara and pizza sauces, mixing well. Let it simmer on low heat, partially covered, while the pasta cooks.
- Boil the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the al dente time on the package instructions.
- Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drain the pasta and mix it into the skillet with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish (or leave in an oven-safe skillet if suitable).
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese).
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for 1 minute under high heat—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 40mins