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Easy Weeknight Pizza Pasta Bake Casserole

A thick, cheesy slice of pizza pasta bake topped with melted mozzarella and crispy pepperoni.
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Make this simple, cheesy pasta bake that tastes like pizza. It is a quick, family-friendly casserole perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta and the pepperoni slices.
  7. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For make-ahead preparation, assemble the entire casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
  • To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or omit the meat for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/easy-pizza-pasta-bake-recipe/