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Ultimate Cheesy One-Pot Pizza Pasta Bake

A close-up of a baked slice of pizza pasta casserole topped with melted mozzarella and pepperoni.
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Make this satisfying pizza pasta bake for a simple, cheesy weeknight dinner that tastes like your favorite pizza in casserole form.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dry pasta (like rotini or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces jarred pizza or marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives or bell peppers

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  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 pizza sauce, oregano, basil, and water or broth. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked, drained pasta, pepperoni, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese over the top.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute the meat with cooked ground turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version.
  • If you prefer a one-pot method without baking, skip steps 1, 4, and 6. After simmering the sauce and meat, add the uncooked pasta and the required liquid (water/broth) directly to the skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender (about 15-20 minutes). Stir in the cheese and serve directly from the pot.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/pizza-pasta-ultimate-cheesy-one-pot-bake/