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Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

A close-up of a serving of baked pizza pasta topped with melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
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A simple, cheesy baked pasta dish that combines classic pizza flavors into a comforting casserole format, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and water or broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked, drained pasta, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the pepperoni slices (if using) evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a supreme flavor, add 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when you cook the onion.
  • You can substitute turkey or chicken for the ground beef to lower the fat content.
  • If you prefer a one-pot method, cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture, adding extra liquid as needed until the pasta is tender.

Nutrition

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