When you think of comfort food, the combination of pizza and pasta could be the ultimate solution. Pizza Pasta takes the best of both worlds, bringing together zingy marinara sauce, savory meats, and gooey melted cheese all topped with crispy pepperoni. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a crowd-pleaser that appeals to family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, Pizza Pasta is a fantastic choice that guarantees to satisfy.
Why We Love This Pizza Pasta Recipe
At the heart of every home-cooked meal is the joy of bringing family and friends together. Pizza Pasta embodies that sentiment perfectly. This dish showcases warm, comforting ingredients served in a way that’s likely to evoke fond memories and spark conversations around the dinner table.
The delightful combination of beef, sausage, and layers of cheesy goodness wrapped in pasta is what makes this dish a standout. Plus, the inclusion of fresh vegetables adds both nutrition and flavor, creating a well-rounded meal that everyone can enjoy. It is not just about filling your stomach; it’s about sharing a delectable experience with those you care about.
So, whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this Pizza Pasta recipe will not only elevate your cooking game but also become a cherished dish in your household.
Ingredients About Pizza Pasta
To whip up this delightful Pizza Pasta, you will need a few essential ingredients. Gather the following items to get started:
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground sausage (mild, sweet, or hot Italian)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 32 oz. marinara sauce
- 8 oz. pizza sauce
- 3/4 lb. penne pasta
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk/low moisture mozzarella, shredded
- 25 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
These ingredients blend together to create a dish bursting with flavor. You may also choose to adjust the spice levels and pick your favorite types of cheese or toppings based on your own preferences.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Directions
Making Pizza Pasta is straightforward and can be accomplished in simple steps. First, make sure to measure out all your ingredients. This not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you don’t forget anything essential.
Start by heating a large pot of water and bring it to a boil to cook the penne pasta. Remember, you’ll be boiling for one minute less than the package instructions indicate, as you’ll be baking the pasta later.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. The heat will ensure that your dish cooks through evenly while giving that perfect cheese melt.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, ground sausage, and diced onions. Cook for about 4 minutes or until the meat is nicely browned.
Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes. This adds a wonderful flavor and a slight crunch to the dish.
Once your meat mixture is ready, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too heavy.
Reduce the heat to medium. Then, add the beef broth and clean out the skillet to incorporate all the delicious flavor stuck to the pan.
Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings such as oregano, basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pour in the marinara sauce and pizza sauce next. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to develop a rich taste.
Meanwhile, once your pasta is cooked just under al dente, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until each piece of pasta is well-coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
Now, it’s time to make it cheesy! Top your pasta with the shredded mozzarella cheese and layer on the slices of pepperoni.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake it for 10 minutes and then remove the cover. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
For an extra crisp finish, you can broil the top for a minute or so, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Finally, remove the dish from the oven, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and serve it hot. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite of your homemade Pizza Pasta!
How to Serve Pizza Pasta
Serving your Pizza Pasta is as creative as making it. You can present it directly from the casserole dish for a rustic and homely feel, or you can scoop individual servings onto plates for a more polished look.
Consider pairing it with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast. The crisp texture of greens fibers beautifully with the warm, cheesy pasta, adding to the overall dining experience.
You can also offer a variety of bread on the side. Garlic bread, breadsticks, or even cheesy pull-apart bread can complement the Pizza Pasta perfectly.
When serving, don’t forget to have optional toppings available, like crushed red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan cheese, allowing everyone to customize their servings just the way they like.
Expert Tips: Pizza Pasta
Homemade Sauces: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can create your own marinara and pizza sauce from scratch. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish significantly.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to load your Pizza Pasta with additional vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or even olives could be tasty additions, adding flavor and nutrition.
Cook Pasta Appropriately: Be sure not to cook the pasta for the full time, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Cooking it for 30 seconds to a minute less than the suggests helps keep the texture just right.
Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella is the classic choice, try mixing in cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of feta for a twist.
Spicy Kick: If you prefer a little heat, don’t hesitate to add more hot sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the meat mixture.
Make it Ahead: Pizza Pasta is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven before serving for an easy and delightful dinner.
How to Store Pizza Pasta
To store your leftover Pizza Pasta, make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container, and it can stay in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Reheat your servings in the microwave or oven until heated through.
If you want to enjoy it beyond the week, consider freezing portions. Seal them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they can be kept for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as desired.
Variation of Pizza Pasta
Giving your Pizza Pasta a twist can be fun, and there are various ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations to try out:
Vegetarian Pizza Pasta: Substitute the meats with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. You could also add plant-based sausage for a similar texture without the meat.
Cheesy Alfredo Pizza Pasta: For a creamy variant, swap out the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce. The result is a rich and creamy dish that’s equally delicious.
Mexican-Inspired Pizza Pasta: Add taco seasoning to your meat mixture and use a salsa instead of marinara. Top with cheddar cheese and black olives for a Mexican twist.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pasta: Mix in chunks of cooked buffalo chicken and drizzle ranch dressing on top before baking for a spicy kick.
Seafood Style: For a unique twist, utilize shrimp or crabmeat and swap traditional sauces with a creamy garlic sauce or a marinara infused with seafood flavors.
FAQs
What is Pizza Pasta?
Pizza Pasta is a hearty dish that combines the flavors of pizza and pasta into one delicious meal. It’s made with ingredients like ground meat, cheese, marinara, and pasta, creating a wonderfully cheesy dish.
How do you make Pizza Pasta?
To make Pizza Pasta, you cook ground meat and vegetables, combine them with marinara and pizza sauce, stir in cooked pasta, and top it with cheese. Finally, you bake it to create a bubbly, golden dish.
Can Pizza Pasta be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Pizza Pasta in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
What variations can I try?
You can easily customize Pizza Pasta by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or using alternate sauces like cream-based Alfredo or spicy buffalo for a new twist.