Pizza Pasta Casserole: A Comforting, Cheesy Twist on Two Favorites

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:

  1. Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
  2. Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Once boiling, generously salt the water with ¾ tablespoon of kosher salt.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make the Sauce and Pasta:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion for about 4 minutes.
  2. 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.
  3. Lower the heat to medium. Add the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  5. Pour in the marinara and pizza sauces, mixing well. Let it simmer on low heat, partially covered, while the pasta cooks.
  6. Boil the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the al dente time on the package instructions.
  7. Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Drain the pasta and mix it into the skillet with the sauce.
  9. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish (or leave in an oven-safe skillet if suitable).
  10. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese).
  12. 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.
  13. 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!

 

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Pizza Pasta Casserole: A Comforting, Cheesy Twist on Two Favorites


  • Author: Olivia
  • 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

Units Scale

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:

  1. Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
  2. Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. Once boiling, generously salt the water with ¾ tablespoon of kosher salt.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make the Sauce and Pasta:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion for about 4 minutes.
  2. 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.
  3. Lower the heat to medium. Add the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  5. Pour in the marinara and pizza sauces, mixing well. Let it simmer on low heat, partially covered, while the pasta cooks.
  6. Boil the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the al dente time on the package instructions.
  7. Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Drain the pasta and mix it into the skillet with the sauce.
  9. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish (or leave in an oven-safe skillet if suitable).
  10. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese).
  12. 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.
  13. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 15mins
  • Cook Time: 40mins