Description
This Pizza Pasta Casserole is a delicious and comforting fusion dish that combines al dente penne pasta, savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection with a sprinkle of garlic powder and oregano, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastas and Meat
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Sauces and Dairy
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to avoid overcooking in the next steps.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add Pepperoni and Sauce: Add the sliced pepperoni and marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the tastes.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Stir everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the meat and marinara sauce mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese for a rich cheesy layer.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano evenly over the cheese layer to enhance the flavor and aroma.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set, then enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Make sure to drain the cooked pasta well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
