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Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 27 reviews

This hearty and flavorful Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of two favorite dishes – pizza and pasta – into one comforting and cheesy bake. Ground beef, Italian sausage, and a medley of spices simmer in marinara and pizza sauces, tossed with al dente penne pasta, then topped with plenty of mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • ½ lb lean ground beef
  • ½ lb ground Italian sausage
  • ½ large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 32 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup pizza sauce

Spices and Condiments

  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp paprika powder
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

Pasta and Cheeses

  • ¾ lb penne pasta
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish

Toppings

  • 20 slices pepperoni
  • Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 380°F (193°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions but reduce the time by one minute to keep it al dente. Drain the pasta once done.
  3. Brown Meats and Vegetables: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook and stir for 4-5 minutes until the meat starts to brown.
  4. Add Peppers and Continue Cooking: Add the chopped green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes or until the meat is fully browned. Drain excess grease from the pan.
  5. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the marinara and pizza sauces, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  7. Mix in Parmesan: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce mixture until melted and evenly distributed.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and gently stir to coat the pasta completely with the sauce and meat mixture.
  9. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then arrange the pepperoni slices across the cheese layer.
  10. Cover and Bake: Lightly spray a sheet of aluminum foil with oil and cover the casserole dish to prevent cheese from sticking to the foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
  11. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Remove casserole from the oven. Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for garnish before serving hot.

Notes

  • Using leftover cooked pasta works well if you want to save time; just adjust cooking and baking accordingly.
  • Substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use plant-based sausage or extra vegetables.
  • Make sure to salt the pasta water well; it enhances the flavor of the pasta significantly.
  • Letting the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking will help it set and make serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza pasta casserole, baked pasta, Italian casserole, meat pasta bake, cheesy casserole, easy dinner

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/pizza-pasta-casserole-recipe-3/