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Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

A close-up of a serving of baked pizza pasta topped with melted 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

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

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 and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute 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 pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a supreme flavor, add 1/2 cup of sliced black olives and 1/2 cup of chopped green bell peppers when mixing in the sauce.
  • If you prefer a one-pot meal, cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture, adding extra liquid as needed until the pasta is cooked through.

Nutrition

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