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Pizza Pasta Casserole

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Pizza pasta casserole is the perfect comfort food mashup—hearty pasta tossed in pizza sauce, loaded with melty cheese, and topped with your favorite pizza toppings. It’s easy to make, kid-approved, and totally customizable. Think of it as pizza night meets pasta night!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

  • Optional toppings: sliced black olives, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños

  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until meat is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.

  4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

  5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat.

  6. Pour half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add some pepperoni and any optional toppings.

  7. Repeat with remaining pasta, cheeses, and toppings.

  8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Easily customize with your favorite pizza toppings.

  • Use turkey or veggie sausage for a lighter version.

  • This dish freezes well—great for meal prep!