If you are looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s bursting with flavor and so comforting it feels like a warm hug, this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines perfectly cooked rotini pasta, savory ground beef, zesty marinara, and generous amounts of melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese, all topped with pepperoni slices that add a delightful little kick in every bite. This dish is a fantastic way to bring everyone to the table with smiles, and the gooey, cheesy layers make it an instant family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the tender rotini that holds sauce and cheese beautifully, to the aromatic herbs and spicy pepperoni that give it character and warmth.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: Choose rotini for its perfect twists that capture sauce and cheese delightfully.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty richness and a satisfying protein element to balance the cheesy goodness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to ground beef.
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices: Brings a bold, savory punch with just the right amount of spice.
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into the ultimate gooey texture that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded: Offers a slightly sharp contrast that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: Provides a tangy and herbaceous base that ties everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with traditional Italian herbs for an aromatic touch.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up so much easier while helping the cheesy, saucy layers bake to perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning it with kosher salt and pepper. Cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown, which usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily but maintain plenty of that rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce
To the skillet with the cooked ground beef, add the al dente rotini, pepperoni slices, half of the shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so each pasta twist is evenly coated and the pepperoni and cheeses are well distributed.
Step 4: Bake Your Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Pour the saucy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the top to create that golden, bubbling crust everyone loves. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted and irresistibly bubbly. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes — this helps everything set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley makes a cheerful and colorful garnish for this bake, adding a bright pop that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and pepperoni. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish with a touch more spice if you like things a bit bolder.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp, refreshing green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread alongside is also ideal for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or even hollowed-out bell peppers for added color and flair. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano just before serving adds not only flavor but also an inviting aroma that will make your meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe keeps very well in the fridge for up to four days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, freeze the baked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and taste upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to maintain that lovely baked texture. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts, stirring gently, but you may lose some of the crispy cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While rotini holds sauce wonderfully because of its shape, penne, rigatoni, or ziti work just as well and provide a slightly different texture to your Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the ground beef and pepperoni for your favorite plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to keep it filling and flavorful.
Can I prepare this dish earlier in the day?
You can assemble the bake a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What cheeses work best in this bake?
Moist, melting cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar are ideal because they create deliciously gooey layers. Feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor twist.
How spicy is the dish with pepperoni?
The pepperoni adds a mild to moderate heat that complements the cheesy richness without overpowering it. If you want it spicier, you can select spicy pepperoni slices or add a pinch of chili flakes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly straightforward to make. It’s the perfect way to bring family and friends around the table with smiles, giving everyone that comforting, homemade touch they crave. Trust me, once you make it, this will become one of your go-to recipes for quick, satisfying meals that never fail to impress.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful casserole that combines tender rotini pasta with savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni slices, and a rich blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Baked with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, it’s a perfect hearty meal for family dinners, ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and season it with kosher salt and pepper. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything thoroughly to blend flavors and evenly coat the pasta with sauce and cheese.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a bubbly cheese crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked pasta to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set for easier serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use rotini or any short pasta that holds sauce well like penne or rigatoni.
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to avoid excess grease in the bake.
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or omit it for a milder flavor.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh and colorful touch.
- For extra cheesiness, mix some Parmesan into the top layer before baking.
