Pizza Pasta Casserole
A delightful fusion dish that combines the best of pizza and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds sauces beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef Adds a hearty element to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning An aromatic blend of herbs.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt Balances the dish.
- 1 package (6 oz) pepperoni (chopped) Reserve 20 whole slices for the top.
- 1 green bell pepper (finely diced) Adds freshness and a hint of color.
- 1 small onion (finely diced) Adds sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 36 ounces marinara sauce The perfect sauce to bind the ingredients together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Provides a creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Reserved for the top.
- 20 whole pepperoni Reserved for a finishing touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt, and drain any excess grease.
Mixing and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, chopped pepperoni (reserve 20 whole slices for the top), green bell pepper, onion, marinara sauce, and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top and arrange the reserved pepperoni slices. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
For an extra crisp topping, broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes. You can mix mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different flavor, and add fresh herbs to enhance the dish.