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
Scale
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.
