Print

Ultimate Easy Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake: 30-Minute Family Favorite Casserole

A close-up of a serving of pizza pasta bake, covered in melted mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy pizza pasta bake for a comforting, cheesy casserole dinner that tastes just like your favorite slice. It is simple to assemble and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta (or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza or marinara sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat (beef or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and oregano into the cooked meat. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the drained pasta, pizza sauce, and water to the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir everything together until combined.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of the pepperoni into the pasta mixture. Mix gently.
  7. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer.
  8. Top the pasta evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and the remaining 1/4 cup pepperoni slices.
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a one-pot method, you can cook the pasta directly in the sauce and water mixture on the stovetop before transferring to the baking dish. Add an extra 10 minutes to the cook time if you do this.
  • Use your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced mushrooms, black olives, or bell peppers, along with the pepperoni.
  • This casserole reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/pizza-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-casserole/