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Cheesy Pizza Pasta

Cheesy pizza pasta with pepperoni and melted mozzarella in a baking dish.
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This irresistible family dinner combines all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into a comforting, scoopable pasta casserole. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. Simple ingredients come together for a cozy, cheesy meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces sliced pepperoni, divided
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 7-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess grease.
  3. To the skillet, add marinara sauce, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a large pot or bowl, combine the drained pasta, meat sauce, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, all the cheddar, the Parmesan, and half of the pepperoni slices. Stir until evenly mixed.
  5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and arrange the rest of the pepperoni slices on top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden at the edges.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness. For a lighter version, use ground turkey and part-skim cheeses. The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for a day before baking, or frozen for up to 3 months. Letting it rest after baking is crucial for perfect slices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/cheesy-pizza-pasta/