Description
A delicious and comforting Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake combining savory ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses baked to perfection with pepperoni slices for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the 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, season it with kosher salt and pepper, and cook until brown and no longer pink in the center, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine ingredients: In the same skillet with the cooked ground beef, add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 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 it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it won’t become mushy during baking.
- Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use fresh parsley or basil as a garnish to brighten the dish visually and add fresh herbal notes.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
