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Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

A close-up shot of a hearty slice of pizza pasta bake topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
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A simple, cheesy baked pasta casserole that combines classic pizza flavors with comforting pasta.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dry pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)

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 it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and water. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta until it is fully coated with the sauce mixture.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Scatter the pepperoni slices over the cheese if using.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  10. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, cooking them with the onion.
  • You can prepare this casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.
  • Use your favorite jarred pizza or marinara sauce for quick preparation.

Nutrition

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