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This Pizza Pasta recipe is a delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and pasta—creating a hearty, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Imagine the rich flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza combined with the comforting satisfaction of pasta, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe brings together ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and penne pasta, topped with pepperoni for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, versatile, and guarantees smiles around the dinner table!

Ingredients:

Pizza Pasta

½ lb. ground beef
½ lb. ground sausage (mild, sweet, or hot Italian)
1 small yellow onion, diced

1 small green bell pepper, diced
½ cup beef broth
3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
32 oz. high-quality marinara sauce

8 oz. pizza sauce
¾ lb. penne pasta
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 ½ cups whole milk/low moisture mozzarella, shredded from a block
25 slices pepperoni

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic salt

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Prep Work:

Measure out all the ingredients before you begin cooking for a smooth process.
Begin heating a large pot of water for cooking the pasta. Once the water reaches a boil, generously salt it with ¾ tbsp. of Kosher salt.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make the Sauce and Pasta:

In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, sausage, and diced onions. Cook for about 4 minutes, then add the bell peppers. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease.
Lower the heat to medium, then add beef broth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the bottom and sides of the skillet.

Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Stir everything together and cook for 1 more minute.
Add marinara and pizza sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer, partially covered, while you prepare the pasta. Cook the penne for 1 minute less than the al dente time indicated on the package.
Once the pasta is ready, reduce the heat of the sauce to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir until evenly combined.

Baking the Dish:

If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
Cover the dish and bake for 10 minutes. If using aluminum foil, spray one side with non-stick cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.
Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, you can broil the dish at 450°F for 1 minute—just be sure to watch it closely!

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Tips:

For even more flavor, consider using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.

If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes, such as rigatoni or ziti.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

To save time, prep the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

Nutritional Benefits:

Protein: With ground beef, sausage, and mozzarella, this dish is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.

Vitamins and Minerals: The bell pepper and onion add fiber, vitamins A and C, and other essential nutrients.
Carbohydrates: The penne pasta provides a source of energy, keeping you full and satisfied for longer periods.
Calcium: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese contribute to your daily calcium intake, which supports bone health.

Healthy Fats: The dish contains a balanced amount of fats from the meats and cheeses, offering long-lasting energy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comfort Food Appeal: The combination of pizza and pasta is a dream come true for comfort food lovers.

Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s sure to be a hit at any family gathering.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it great for meal prep.

Dietary Information:

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free sauces to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Omit the meat and add more veggies for a vegetarian-friendly version.

High Protein: Packed with beef, sausage, and cheese, this dish offers plenty of protein to fuel your day.
Allergen Notice: Contains dairy and gluten. Be mindful if serving to those with allergies or sensitivities.

Why This Recipe Works: The combination of robust marinara and pizza sauce creates a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and sausage. The creamy, melted mozzarella ties everything together, while the pepperoni adds the quintessential pizza touch. Baking the pasta allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the golden cheese topping adds a satisfying crunch. This dish hits all the right notes: it’s flavorful, cheesy, and full of comfort!

Conclusion: Pizza Pasta is a fun, hearty, and delicious twist on two all-time favorites. Whether you’re a pizza lover, pasta enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a satisfying meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your household. The cheesy, meaty, and saucy layers offer a delightful experience with every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for feeding a family or group of friends. Try it out for your next dinner, and enjoy the comforting flavors of pizza and pasta combined in one dish!

Pizza Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Fusion of Comfort Foods

Author: Olivia

Total Time: 55mins

Print Recipe

Description

Instructions

Prep Work:

Measure out all the ingredients before you begin cooking for a smooth process.

Begin heating a large pot of water for cooking the pasta. Once the water reaches a boil, generously salt it with ¾ tbsp. of Kosher salt.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make the Sauce and Pasta:

In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, sausage, and diced onions. Cook for about 4 minutes, then add the bell peppers. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease.
Lower the heat to medium, then add beef broth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and deglaze the bottom and sides of the skillet.
Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Stir everything together and cook for 1 more minute.

Add marinara and pizza sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer, partially covered, while you prepare the pasta. Cook the penne for 1 minute less than the al dente time indicated on the package.
Once the pasta is ready, reduce the heat of the sauce to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir until evenly combined.

Baking the Dish:

If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then place pepperoni slices evenly over the top.

Cover the dish and bake for 10 minutes. If using aluminum foil, spray one side with non-stick cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.
Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, you can broil the dish at 450°F for 1 minute—just be sure to watch it closely!
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 15mins
Cook Time: 40mins

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