Indulge in the perfect combination of two favorite dishes with this pizza pasta bake. This cheesy and flavorful recipe combines the classic flavors of pizza with the comfort of pasta. It's a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Serve it as a main course for dinner or prepare it as a crowd-pleasing dish for parties and gatherings. The recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and satisfying meal option. Get ready to experience the yummy fusion of pizza and pasta in every bite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, chopped pepperoni, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy and flavorful pizza pasta bake!
Interesting Facts
Pizza pasta bake is a great way to use leftover pizza toppings.
This dish can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Leftovers of this dish can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day as a delicious pasta casserole.