Pizza Pasta Casserole
Pizza Pasta Casserole is a comforting fusion dish that combines the delightful flavors of pizza and hearty pasta into a single, satisfying meal. Loaded with savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and vibrant vegetables, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Enjoy this delicious dish hot from the oven for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or spicy sausage
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- Optional: pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, pizza sauce, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by swapping proteins or adding your favorite vegetables. For extra flavor, mix different types of cheese such as provolone or gouda. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.