Pizza Pasta

This Pizza Pasta combines the best of pizza and pasta in one irresistible dish! Ground beef, sausage, marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella come together for a comfort food classic.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• ½ lb. ground beef
• ½ lb. ground sausage (mild, sweet, or hot Italian)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
• ½ cup beef broth
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 32 oz. high-quality marinara sauce (see notes)
• 8 oz. pizza sauce
• ¾ lb. penne pasta
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 ½ cups whole milk/low-moisture mozzarella cheese (shredded from a block)
• 25 slices pepperoni

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prep Work:
   Measure out all ingredients before starting. Begin heating a large pot of water for the pasta. (Pro Tip: Once the water boils, generously salt it with about ¾ tablespoon Kosher salt.)
   Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the Sauce and Pasta:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sausage, and diced onion. Cook for 4 minutes, then add the diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
   Reduce heat to medium. Add the beef broth and use a silicone spatula to deglaze the bottom and sides of the skillet. Stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings. Heat for 1 minute.
   Add the marinara sauce and pizza sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer, partially covered, while you cook the pasta according to package instructions, cooking 1 minute less than al dente.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
   Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Bake:
   Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
   Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 10 minutes. (If using foil, spray one side with non-stick spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.)
   Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If desired, broil at 450°F for 1 minute to crisp the top further, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Pizza Lover’s Dream: This dish combines all the delicious flavors of pizza with the comfort of pasta—what’s not to love?
• Family Favorite: It’s the perfect dish to feed a crowd and works well as a hearty weeknight dinner.
• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Tips

• Use High-Quality Sauce: A good marinara sauce makes all the difference in the flavor of this dish. Choose a high-quality, flavorful marinara sauce.
• Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Don’t Overcook the Meat: Keep an eye on the meat while cooking, ensuring it doesn’t over-brown, which could dry it out.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: If possible, shred mozzarella from a block for the best melt and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Substitutes: Swap out the beef and sausage for ground chicken, turkey, or a meat-free substitute for a lighter option.
• Sauce Alternatives: If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in some Alfredo sauce or cream cheese.
• Add Veggies: Add extra veggies like mushrooms, olives, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor.
• Different Pasta: You can use any pasta shape, such as rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli, in place of penne.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply bake it before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this pizza pasta?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble everything and freeze it before baking. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, but add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I make this without pepperoni?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a different topping, feel free to swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, bacon, or even vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair with a crisp, fresh salad with Italian dressing to balance out the richness of the pizza pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Wine Pairing: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a Chianti complements the pizza flavors nicely.