If you are looking for a hearty, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, this Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines perfectly seasoned ground beef, spicy pepperoni, and not one but two kinds of melty cheese, all baked together with al dente pasta and rich marinara sauce. Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, from the tender pasta to the crispy pepperoni edges and gooey cheese that binds it all beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a soul-satisfying dinner, this dish delivers pure joy in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is all you need to transform simple pantry staples into an unforgettable meal. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing flavors and creating the signature cheesy, meaty, and slightly spicy profile that makes this dish shine.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: Choose rotini for its spirals that trap sauce and cheese perfectly in every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory depth and protein.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the beef to enhance its natural flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices: Brings a spicy, smoky contrast with crispy edges when baked.
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts smoothly to give that gooey, cheesy texture.
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a mellow, creamy flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: Infuses the dish with robust tomato and herb complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures a hot environment to melt all the cheese and meld the flavors beautifully. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so your baked pasta won’t stick and cleanup stays easy.
Step 2: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your ground beef with kosher salt and pepper until no longer pink. This step is crucial because properly seasoned, well-cooked beef adds rich umami that’s absolutely essential in this pasta bake. Once cooked, drain the excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Pepperoni, Cheese, and Sauce
Using the same skillet, add your cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, half of the mozzarella cheese, all the cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is coated and there’s a perfect balance between the spicy pepperoni and creamy cheeses. This mixture is the heart of the Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top—this layer will brown and bubble, creating that irresistible golden crust we all dream about. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, signaling it’s ready to go.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your pasta bake rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing all those combined flavors. For a fresh touch and a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley right before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil gives a lovely contrast to the rich baked layers, adding freshness and a slight herbal aroma. If you like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes on top can add an exciting dimension.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance all the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the dish perfectly by soaking up the remaining marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized approach or in a large rustic cast-iron skillet for a more family-style presentation that encourages sharing and everyone digging in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover pasta bake tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect option for quick weekday meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble in a freezer-safe container before baking or freeze cooked portions. When properly wrapped, it can last up to three months in the freezer without losing its cheesy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist, or microwave individual portions for convenience. Adding a splash of marinara sauce before reheating helps keep everything luscious and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for trapping sauce and cheese, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook them al dente for the best texture after baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the ground beef and pepperoni for plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant to keep it flavorful and satisfying without meat.
What cheese combinations work best in this bake?
Mozzarella and mild cheddar are fantastic because they melt well and offer balanced flavors, but feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a sharper edge.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy days or entertaining.
How spicy is the pepperoni in the dish?
The pepperoni adds a mild to moderate spicy kick depending on the brand you choose, which perfectly complements the mildness of the cheeses and tomato sauce. If you prefer less heat, look for a mild pepperoni variety or reduce the amount used.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe collection — trust me, it’s a winner every single time!
Print
Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired casserole combining al dente rotini pasta, savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses baked to melted perfection. Infused with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, this dish is a comforting weeknight dinner that is easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
Cheeses
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat, then drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup), shredded mild cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly to mix all components evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps to settle the flavors and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
- Drain excess grease from the cooked beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use fresh Italian seasoning or dried oregano and basil as alternatives.
- Make sure to let the dish rest before serving to enhance texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well.
