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Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

This Pizza Pasta Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal combining savory ground beef and Italian sausage with flavorful marinara and pizza sauces, penne pasta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and pepperoni. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

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 Seasonings

  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp paprika powder
  • a pinch red pepper flakes

Pasta and Cheese

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

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 20 slices pepperoni
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
  • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 380°F. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a little oil or cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions minus one minute to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside once almost cooked.
  3. Cook Meat and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the meat starts to brown and the onion softens.
  4. Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the meat is fully browned. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
  5. Deglaze and Season: Pour in the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  6. Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and pizza sauce, stirring to combine and coat the meat mixture. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  7. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the meat sauce until melted and combined.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated with the savory sauce.
  9. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
  10. Cover and Bake Initially: Lightly spray a sheet of foil with cooking oil to prevent sticking, cover the casserole dish tightly, and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
  11. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley over the casserole before serving.

Notes

  • Cooking the pasta one minute less than package directions ensures it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
  • Spraying oil on the foil prevents cheese from sticking and pulling off when removed.
  • Use lean meats to reduce excess grease and make cleanup easier.
  • Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option if preferred.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; just add extra baking time if baking from chilled.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza pasta casserole, baked pasta, pepperoni casserole, Italian casserole, easy dinner

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