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Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole

Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole – Your Family's New Favorite!

This Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole combines pizza flavors and pasta heartiness, making it a perfect, easy family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Rotini Pasta any pasta shape like penne can work too
For the Meat
  • 1 lb Ground Beef substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based option
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning dried oregano or basil makes a great swap
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder use freshly minced garlic for bolder taste
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt sea salt is a suitable alternative
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Pepperoni consider turkey pepperoni or olives
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper replace with mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies
  • 1 medium Onion shallots can provide a milder flavor
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce any tomato-based sauce can substitute
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese mix in provolone or cheddar for flavor variations

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • 9×13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for about 7 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt, and stir the mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  5. Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Fold in half of the mozzarella cheese.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by a layer of pepperoni slices.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Prep this casserole ahead of time for a quick dinner option, and customize with your favorite toppings or vegetables.

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