Pizza Pasta Recipe

Have you ever wondered what would happen if pizza and pasta created the ultimate comfort food love child? Enter the delightful realm of **Pizza Pasta**! This dish brings together the best of both worlds, offering a savory medley of flavors that are bound to excite your taste buds. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and saucy experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pizza Pasta recipe is all about simple ingredients that bring a punch of flavor. It’s surprising how these everyday staples can transform into something extraordinary and comforting. Here’s how each ingredient plays its part.

• Ground Beef and Sausage: These meats provide a savory foundation that’s both filling and flavorful.
• Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper: Add a touch of natural sweetness and crispness to balance the richness.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavors while adding an extra layer of moisture.
• Garlic and Worcestershire Sauce: Bring depth and complexity to the sauce, making it irresistibly aromatic.
• Marinara and Pizza Sauce: These sauces blend to create the slick, tomatoey base that ties pizza and pasta together.
• Penne: Holds up well and absorbs the flavors perfectly.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Offer that gooey, melty, cheesy goodness that everyone craves.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza toppings that add a punch of spiciness and smokiness.

Variations

Pizza Pasta is ripe for customization and encourages culinary creativity. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Vegetarian: Swap out the meats for mushrooms and spinach to keep it hearty and flavorful.
• Spicy Kick: Add some jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who crave heat.
• Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish worry-free.

How to Make Pizza Pasta

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding the ground beef, sausage, and onions. Cook them together for about 4 minutes. Next, toss in the green peppers and continue cooking until the meat is browned and cooked through. Once done, don’t forget to drain the grease for a cleaner, healthier sauce.

Step 2: Simmer and Combine

Lower the heat to medium, add the beef broth, and stir thoroughly to deglaze your pan—this means picking up all those beautiful brown bits stuck to the bottom. Toss in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Stir this aromatic mixture then add marinara and pizza sauce, letting it gently simmer while you prepare the pasta.

Step 3: Bake It All Together

Once the sauce and pasta are ready, mix them in a skillet, then transfer them to a casserole dish for baking. Top with mozzarella and pepperoni, then bake covered in a preheated oven. Bake uncovered for the final touch, and if you’re bold, broil for a golden crust!

How to Serve Pizza Pasta

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your Pizza Pasta. It adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note. Grated Parmesan is another great option that enhances the dish with a nutty finish.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs fabulously with a light green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to mop up the extra sauce. A classic Caesar salad is another great complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Pizza Pasta in individual cast-iron dishes or ramekins for portioned elegance. This not only looks lovely but also keeps each serving warm throughout the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, cool the leftovers completely before storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures the freshness and flavors remain intact.

Freezing

Pizza Pasta freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on a low oven setting to preserve moisture and texture. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Diving into a steaming bowl of Pizza Pasta is like experiencing a delicious fusion of familiar comforts. It’s inviting, adaptable, and perfect for any occasion. I hope this recipe finds a cherished spot in your collection and brings a sprinkle of joy to your table. Give it a whirl, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen!

Pizza Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 138 reviews

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American/Italian-American

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Description

This hearty Pizza Pasta combines the flavors of classic pizza with comforting pasta, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and savory sausage. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that brings together rich sauces, seasoned meats, and gooey cheese in one delicious dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Pasta

• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground sausage (mild, sweet, or hot Italian)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 32 oz. marinara sauce (high quality)
• 8 oz. pizza sauce
• 3/4 lb. penne pasta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk or low moisture mozzarella, shredded
• 25 slices pepperoni

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prep Work: Measure all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the Sauce/Pasta: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, sausage, and diced onion; cook for about 4 minutes until browned. Add chopped bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
3. Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in beef broth, and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to develop flavors. Stir in marinara and pizza sauces, then simmer, partially covered, while you cook the pasta.
4. Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions, removing from heat 1 minute before it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside.
5. Combine and Bake: Lower the heat of the sauce to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish or keep in oven-safe skillet. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella, then layer with pepperoni slices.
6. Baking: Cover the dish with foil (sprayed with non-stick spray) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Optional: broil for about 1 minute to brown the cheese slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

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Notes

• Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
• Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the meats and add more vegetables or plant-based proteins.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
• For a crispier top, remove foil during the last few minutes of baking or broil briefly.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg