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
Scale
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.
