Cheesy Italian Pizza Pasta Bake
Dive into this delightful Cheesy Italian Pizza Pasta Bake, where classic pizza flavors meet hearty pasta in one comforting casserole. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines the savory taste of ground beef, aromatic onions, and vibrant pepperoni, all enveloped in rich spaghetti sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together, making it the ideal dish to share and enjoy!
8
Servings
275
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (not cooked, raw)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
traditional spaghetti sauce
1 (32 ounce) jar (ready to use)
spiral shaped pasta
8 ounces (cooked and drained)
shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (divided)
sliced pepperoni
4 ounces (ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
3
Grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.
4
Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture into the greased casserole dish.
5
Pour in the entire jar of spaghetti sauce and mix thoroughly to combine.
6
Add the cooked spiral pasta to the mixture, along with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the sliced pepperoni, stirring until evenly distributed.
7
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture, spreading it evenly.
8
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Italian Pizza Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Italian Pizza Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting casserole dish that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with hearty pasta, featuring ground beef, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include 1 lb ground beef, 1 medium onion, 32 oz spaghetti sauce, 8 oz cooked spiral pasta, 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, and 4 oz sliced pepperoni.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to cook the pasta before assembling the bake?
Yes, the spiral pasta should be cooked and drained before being added to the casserole mixture.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2.5-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much protein is in a serving of this pasta bake?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 12.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 27.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the ground beef be drained?
Yes, after cooking the ground beef and onion, you should drain any excess fat before adding it to the casserole dish.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe calls for mozzarella for a classic pizza taste, you can experiment with other Italian blends or Provolone.
How do I know when the bake is finished cooking?
The bake is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a golden color.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil?
Yes, covering with foil for the first 30 minutes helps heat the dish through without burning the cheese.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the casserole dish and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
What kind of pasta works best?
Spiral-shaped pasta is ideal because its shape holds onto the sauce and cheese effectively.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely; adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives can enhance the pizza-themed flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as a crowd-pleaser and an ideal dish for family gatherings.
What type of sauce should I use?
The recipe suggests a 32-ounce jar of traditional spaghetti sauce.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped and cooked with the beef until translucent.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner protein option.
How do I divide the cheese?
Use 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese to mix inside with the pasta and sauce, and use the remaining cheese to sprinkle on top.
Is the pepperoni cooked before adding it to the bake?
No, the sliced pepperoni is ready to use and will cook inside the oven as part of the casserole.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and pepperoni or replace them with plant-based meat alternatives.
How long should I let it cool after baking?
It is recommended to let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The specific fiber content for this recipe is not provided in the nutritional data.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, pasta, pizza, dinner, comfort food, and easy recipe.
How much pepperoni is used?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of sliced pepperoni.
Can I use different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni?
Yes, other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni would work well as substitutes for spiral pasta.