Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

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