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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
