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Delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole - Image 2

Delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole

This Delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the flavors of pizza with the comfort of pasta in an easy-to-make dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage for more flavor
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce choose a high-quality brand
  • 2 cups water
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta uncooked
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Oven
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, and add pepperoni slices if using.
  7. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole!

Notes

Chef's Tips:
• For a deeper flavor, brown the meat well and let the onions caramelize slightly before adding the garlic and spices.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta by ensuring it's fully submerged in the sauce before baking.
• Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Food Safety:
• Ensure ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days.