Description

This Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the hearty flavors of classic pizza with comforting baked pasta. Featuring penne pasta cooked al dente, savory ground beef, spicy pepperoni, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner that satisfies cravings for pizza and pasta in one delicious dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 lb penne pasta

Meat & Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese & Seasoning

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Add Pepperoni and Sauce: Stir in the sliced pepperoni and marinara sauce with the browned beef. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and carefully toss to coat the pasta evenly with the meaty sauce mixture.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano evenly over the cheese layer to enhance the aroma and Italian flavor profile.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Pizza Pasta Casserole!

Notes

You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Use low-fat cheeses to reduce the fat content if desired.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor.