Description
This Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the flavors of classic pizza with hearty pasta for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Layers of ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara, and cheesy goodness baked to perfection make this dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 32 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 3/4 lb penne pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni
- Garnish: Parmesan, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, pizza sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with meat sauce. Add 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan, mixing gently.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- You can substitute penne with rotini, rigatoni, or other short pasta shapes.
- Make ahead: assemble casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg