If you’ve ever found yourself unable to choose between a pizza and a plate of pasta, this Pizza Pasta is here to unite the best of both worlds into one gloriously cheesy dish. Trust us, once you try it, it’ll become a family favorite, combining all the delicious flavors of a pepperoni pizza with the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: It’s perfect for kids and adults alike, pleasing any mixed crowd.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip this up in under an hour.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust toppings and flavors based on personal preferences.
- Ultimate Comfort: This dish melds cheesy, saucy goodness with hearty pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of this Pizza Pasta recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing something special. These core ingredients transform humble pasta into a dish brimming with flavors. Let’s delve into what makes this dish not only easy but irresistibly delicious.
- Ground Beef & Sausage: These provide a robust, hearty foundation. Choose a mild sausage for a softer kick, or go for something spicy if feeling adventurous!
- Penne Pasta: Perfect for capturing all the luscious, cheesy sauce in every bite.
- Marinara and Pizza Sauce: A blend of these sauces provides the perfect tangy and savory base that soaks into the pasta beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Always shredded from a block for better melting and that gooey, delicious finish.
- Pepperoni: Added on top, it brings that classic pizza touch right to your plate.
Variations
Pizza Pasta is a dream to customize. Feel free to mold this recipe to fit any dietary preferences or to simply switch things up. Here are a few delightful ways you might adapt the recipe.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meats and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Just as hearty, with all the flavors you love.
- Gluten-Free: Simply swap the regular pasta with a gluten-free alternative. The sauce and toppings marry well with any pasta base, ensuring everyone enjoys every bite.
- Extra Spicy: Add in more red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to dial up the heat.
How to Make Pizza Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Meats and Vegetables
Begin by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sausage, and onions, cooking for about 4 minutes. Add in the bell peppers, continuing until everything is browned and cooked through. Don’t forget to drain the grease to keep things light.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and incorporate the beef broth, using a spatula to scrape up all those flavorful bits from the skillet. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings before adding in your marinara and pizza sauces. Let this simmer while you prepare the pasta.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Once your pasta is just shy of al dente, drain it and combine it with the sauce. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish, topping with mozzarella and pepperoni. Cover it and bake for 10 minutes at 375°F, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes. Broil for a minute for a delicious golden top.
Pro Tips for Making Pizza Pasta
- Browning is Key: Ensure the meats are properly browned for a deeper, more flavorful base in your sauce.
- Cheese Shredding: Always shred your own mozzarella; pre-shredded varieties contain additives that hinder melting.
- Salty Pasta Water: Remember to generously salt your pasta water—it’s crucial for adding flavor from the ground up.
- Watch the Broiler: When broiling, keep a close eye—things can go from golden to burned in seconds!
How to Serve Pizza Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, peppery finish that pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce. For an extra zing, consider a grating of Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread can balance the richness of the Pizza Pasta with fresh and crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in cast iron skillets for a rustic and charming presentation. This not only looks impressive but also keeps the pasta warm during serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until thoroughly warmed. You may also reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience.
FAQs
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Can I make Pizza Pasta in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if starting from cold.
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Is it necessary to use both marinara and pizza sauce?
The combination of both sauces gives a richer, layered flavor that mimics a classic pizza. However, feel free to use more of one if that simplifies your pantry.
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What types of sausage work best?
Italian sausage tends to work best, whether it’s sweet, mild, or spicy, as it enhances that classic pizza taste. But, really, any sausage you enjoy on pizza will do the trick!
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How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?
A simple spray of non-stick cooking spray on the foil will ensure the cheese stays where it belongs—on your Pizza Pasta, not the foil!
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and joy on a plate. Easy to make and thoroughly customizable, it promises a slice—pun intended—of happiness any day of the week. Can’t wait for you to try it!
Print
Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Pizza Pasta combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage, ground beef, and pepperoni with a rich marinara and pizza sauce, all baked under a layer of melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a comfort food that brings the best of pizza and pasta into one fulfilling dish, perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Pizza Pasta
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground sausage (mild, sweet, or hot Italian)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 32 oz. marinara sauce (high quality)
- 8 oz. pizza sauce
- 3/4 lb. penne pasta
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk or low moisture mozzarella, shredded
- 25 slices pepperoni
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep Work: Measure all ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, preparing to cook the pasta. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Sauce/Pasta: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, sausage, and diced onions; cook for about 4 minutes until browned. Add chopped green bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables soften and meat is cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Build the Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Pour in beef broth, using a silicone spatula to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, oregano, basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes; stir and cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Simmer: Incorporate marinara and pizza sauces; stir well and let simmer partially covered while you cook the pasta. Boil pasta until it’s 1 minute less than al dente, according to package instructions.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Drain pasta and add to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat with sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish if needed. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and slices of pepperoni. Cover with foil sprayed with non-stick spray and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden. For extra browning, broil at 450°F for about 1 minute, watching carefully.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- You can substitute hot sauce with your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked when ready.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
