Pizza Pasta Bake

All the flavors of pizza, baked into a cheesy, gooey pasta dish! This Pizza Pasta Bake is quick, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Servings: 6–8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 box (about 3 cups) pasta of choice (rotini works great)

• Pepperoni slices (as many as you like)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 jar (24 oz) pizza or pasta sauce of your choice

• ½ small onion, diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ¾ cup water

• Optional: extra Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions:

Preheat oven: 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Cook pasta: Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Brown meat & sauté aromatics:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or sausage) until browned.

• Add diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant and onions are soft.

Combine ingredients:

• In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat mixture, pizza sauce, pepperoni, water, and 1½ cups of mozzarella.

• Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Assemble in baking dish:

• Spread the mixture into the prepared 9x13 pan.

• Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella over the top.

Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Finish & serve:

• Sprinkle with extra Italian seasoning or Parmesan if desired.

• Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!