Description
This Easy Beef Pizza Pasta Bake combines the cheesy goodness of pizza with the comforting heartiness of baked pasta. It’s a delicious, customizable dish that your whole family will love!
Ingredients
- Penne, ziti, or rigatoni pasta
- Ground beef
- Diced onion
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Sliced mushrooms
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded provolone cheese
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it according to package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Veggies – Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned, then drain off any excess fat. Add your diced onion, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir in your garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Combine with Sauce – Pour your favorite marinara or pizza sauce over the cooked beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the meat and veggies are well coated. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4: Mix Pasta and Sauce – Add the drained, cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Step 5: Layer and Cheese It Up! – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon about half of the pasta mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle about half of your shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese over the pasta. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and provolone, and a dusting of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, over the entire top.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta bake is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and delightfully bubbly. Optionally, use the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes for a more deeply browned cheese crust.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve – Once out of the oven, let your Pizza Pasta Bake rest for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, then scoop out generous portions and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. Customize with your favorite pizza toppings, and consider using the broiler for a golden cheese crust.