Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: a delightful **Pizza Pasta Casserole** that combines all your favorite pizza flavors into one easy, comforting dish! This **family-favorite Pizza Pasta** recipe is designed to bring smiles and satisfaction to every member of your household. Packed with savory pepperoni, gooey melted cheese, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, what’s not to love about this incredible **baked pasta dish**?
This **easy Pizza Pasta** recipe is a burst of savory goodness, meticulously crafted with bold bell peppers, zesty pepperoni, rich, melty cheese, and aromatic Italian seasoning. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that transforms a regular dinner into a special occasion without any extra effort.
Have you ever struggled to find a dinner recipe that genuinely excites everyone, especially the picky eaters? This is one of those rare dishes where kids find it almost impossible to say “ew!” Most children adore pasta, and their love for pizza is practically universal. When you brilliantly combine these two beloved foods to create **Pizza Pasta**, you’re virtually guaranteed a resounding success at the dinner table. Say goodbye to mealtime battles and hello to happy faces!
This **delicious baked pasta recipe** comes together in an impressively short amount of time, making it perfect for your busiest evenings. You can even prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you walk through the door, streamlining your evening routine. Serve this hearty **Pizza Pasta Casserole** alongside a crisp green salad and a warm loaf of garlic bread, and just watch as the entire family lights up with smiles, eager to dig into this incredible **comfort food**. It bakes to perfection in under 30 minutes, meaning dinner is truly D-O-N-E, DONE!
**Casserole recipes** are absolute lifesavers, especially during hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. If you love the convenience and flavor of casseroles, here are two more delightful recipes to add to your repertoire: Tuna Spaghetti and Stuffed Pepper Skillet.
Absolutely! Pizza and Pasta: A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
Yes, without a doubt! Pizza and pasta are two of Italy’s most beloved culinary contributions, and when creatively combined, they form a robust, incredibly flavorsome meal that appeals to nearly everyone. This **Pizza Pasta recipe** is a testament to how beautifully these two classics pair together.
At its heart, **Pizza Pasta** is ingeniously simple: perfectly cooked pasta blended with savory pizza sauce and your favorite pizza toppings. This straightforward concept opens up a world of culinary experimentation! Do you adore black olives on your pizza? Go ahead and toss them into your pasta bake! The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and, of course, your preferred pizza toppings. For instance, on a particular occasion, this dish was crafted using ingredients readily available: a colorful mix of red and green bell peppers, diced onion, lean ground beef, and classic pepperoni slices. This flexibility is what makes it such a remarkable **weeknight dinner idea**.
Beyond customizing the toppings, you can also explore a variety of pasta shapes to suit your preference. Instead of traditional wide egg noodles, consider trying rotini for its spiraled texture that traps sauce beautifully, penne for its sturdy bite, or elegant bow tie (farfalle) pasta. For a healthier twist, whole wheat pasta is an excellent alternative. And if you crave an extra kick of heat, don’t hesitate to stir in some red pepper flakes. There truly isn’t a wrong way to personalize this fantastic **Pizza Pasta bake** to make it your own family favorite!
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Baked Pizza Pasta
This **baked Pizza Pasta** recipe calls for a handful of remarkably simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand in your refrigerator or pantry, making it an incredibly convenient meal to prepare. For precise measurements of each component, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- **Egg Noodles:** While wide egg noodles are often preferred for their hearty texture in this **pizza casserole**, feel free to use any pasta shape you love. Rotini pasta and penne pasta are also excellent choices, providing different mouthfeels and sauce-holding capabilities.
- **Lean Ground Beef:** This provides a robust base for the dish. For a lighter alternative, you can easily substitute ground chicken or ground turkey. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using sweet Italian sausage – it would be absolutely wonderful in this recipe!
- **Onion:** Use whatever type of onion you have available. A sweet onion is a classic choice for its mild flavor, but red onion can also add a pleasant sharpness and color.
- **Green Onions:** The vibrant green tops of green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.
- **Salt and Pepper:** Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your personal taste.
- **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic cloves offer the best aromatic punch, but for a convenient shortcut, pre-minced jarred garlic works just as well.
- **Green and Red Bell Peppers:** These colorful additions provide a fresh crunch and sweet-peppery notes. While red and green peppers are a popular choice for their visual appeal and balanced flavor, you can use any color of bell pepper you prefer.
- **Pepperoni:** A cornerstone of pizza flavor! You can use mini pepperonis or regular pepperoni slices cut in half. For those seeking a leaner option, turkey pepperoni is a fantastic and flavorful substitute.
- **Pizza Sauce:** The heart of the pizza flavor. A good quality jarred pizza sauce is convenient, but you can certainly use your favorite jarred pasta sauce or even whip up your own homemade Marinara sauce for a personal touch.
- **Milk:** A splash of milk helps to create a creamy texture and bind the sauce and cheese together, ensuring a rich, cohesive casserole.
- **Shredded Pizza Cheese Blend:** This typically includes mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar, offering a perfect melty and flavorful topping. Alternatively, a combination of shredded Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese provides a delicious classic pizza cheese experience.
Crafting Your Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole: Step-by-Step
My recipe for this **easy Pizza Pasta bake** is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect choice for cooks of all skill levels. For even more comprehensive and detailed steps, be sure to scroll down to the full recipe card.
**PREP:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a two-quart casserole dish by spraying it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or lightly brushing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
**COOK PASTA:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (egg noodles, rotini, penne, etc.) and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture – firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
**BROWN MEAT & VEGGIES:** In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables have softened. Season generously with salt and pepper to your personal liking during this stage to build flavor.
**DRAIN:** Once the meat is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole and ensuring a more balanced flavor profile.
**ADD PEPPERONI:** Return the skillet to the heat. Add the pepperoni slices (mini or halved regular slices) to the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well and heat through for a few minutes, allowing the pepperoni to slightly crisp and release its delicious, spicy oils into the mix.
**SIMMER SAUCE:** Pour in the pizza sauce and milk into the skillet with the meat and pepperoni. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine, ensuring the sauce is well integrated and heated through. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**FOLD IN PASTA & CHEESE:** Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded pizza cheese blend. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce and the cheese is distributed throughout. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
**ASSEMBLE CASSEROLE:** Carefully pour the entire pasta mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create that irresistible golden, bubbling cheese crust.
**BAKE TO PERFECTION:** Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through evenly. After 20 minutes, uncover the dish and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melty, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during the final minutes to achieve your desired level of browning.
**SERVE HOT:** Remove the **baked Pizza Pasta** from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and prevents the casserole from falling apart when scooped. Serve it piping hot for the best experience!
**GARNISH:** For an extra touch of freshness and color, feel free to garnish your magnificent **Pizza Pasta Casserole** with some fresh herbs like vibrant Italian parsley or fragrant fresh basil. These additions elevate the presentation and add another layer of aromatic flavor.
**STORE & FREEZE:** Leftovers of this delightful dish are fantastic! Store any remaining **Pizza Pasta** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes exceptionally well, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Love It? Pin It for Later!
You’ve just found your new **favorite weeknight dinner**! Don’t forget where you discovered this deliciously savory **Pizza Pasta dish** that combines all the best flavors of Italy. Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it whenever that pizza craving hits!
More Creative Ways to Enjoy Pizza Flavors
Pizza is a universally loved meal, a true crowd-pleaser that most families can wholeheartedly get behind. If you’re as passionate about those iconic pizza flavors as we are, here are even more inventive and delicious ways to enjoy them beyond this fantastic **Pizza Pasta Casserole**:
- Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese (pictured above) – A brilliant fusion of two comfort food champions.
- Detroit Style Pizza – Experience a thick, chewy crust with crispy edges and savory toppings.
- Pizza Dip – All the flavors of pizza in a warm, cheesy, dippable appetizer.
- Reuben Pizza – A unique and surprisingly delicious twist combining Reuben sandwich flavors with pizza.
- Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pizza – A rich and creamy pizza variation for those who love gourmet flavors.
And if you’re looking for more comforting and convenient **casserole ideas** to streamline your meal planning, explore these other incredible recipes:
- Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole – A perfect side dish or breakfast bake.
- 4 Ingredient Hamburger Casserole – Simplistic perfection for busy evenings.
- Chicken & Doritos Casserole – A fun, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish.
- Skillet Tamale Pie – A hearty, south-of-the-border inspired one-pan wonder.
- Garlic Bread Casserole – The ultimate cheesy, garlicky bread side dish or light meal.
This **Pizza Pasta Casserole** is truly one delicious dinner that is so easy-peasy to make, it will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. Let’s get to the recipe details below, and get cooking your next **family-favorite weeknight meal**!
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Print Recipe
Pizza Pasta
Equipment
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce package of egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- Tops of 4 green onions
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup bell pepper chopped, I usually use both red and green
- 1 cup pepperoni sliced in half, I like to use Turkey pepperoni
- 1 15 ounce can of pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded Pizza Blend Cheese
- Optional Garnish: fresh basil and/or fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C), and spray a two-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add pepperoni to the meat mixture in the skillet and heat through for a few minutes.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and milk. Mix to combine thoroughly and simmer briefly.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe for **Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole** was originally posted on October 24, 2014. It has been thoroughly updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and provide even more helpful content, and was re-shared on September 15, 2022. We hope you enjoy this timeless and incredibly tasty **family-friendly dinner recipe**!