Description
This Deliciously Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of pizza and pasta into one hearty dish that your family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekend gatherings, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- Pasta (penne, ziti, or rotini)
- Lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Mini pepperoni slices
- Diced onion
- Bell pepper (any color)
- Sliced mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Pasta. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne, ziti, or rotini) and cook according to package directions until it's al dente – slightly firm to the bite. Drain it well and set aside. I usually toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's completely browned. Drain off any excess fat thoroughly.
- Step 3: Sauté the Veggies. To the same skillet (or clean it quickly), add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in your diced onion, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. If using minced garlic, add it in the last minute of sautéing to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in your favorite pizza sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 5: Combine & Layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with about two-thirds of the beef and pizza sauce mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is well coated. Spread about half of the pasta mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the mini pepperoni. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then spoon the rest of the beef and sauce mixture over the top.
- Step 6: The Cheesy Finish! Generously sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Arrange any extra mini pepperoni or other desired pizza toppings artfully on top.
- Step 7: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and lightly golden brown.
- Step 8: Rest and Serve. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. Then, dish out generous portions and enjoy your Deliciously Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can assemble it up to the 'The Cheesy Finish!' step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Feel free to add more vegetables or customize the toppings to suit your family's preferences.