If you’ve been hunting for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comfort, and a touch of indulgence, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe. Imagine tender rotini swirled with savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni slices, and a rich blanket of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all brought together with a vibrant marinara sauce and a hint of Italian seasoning. This pasta bake is the ultimate cozy meal that feels both homey and special, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to why this pasta bake tastes so incredible. Each component plays a vital role, whether adding texture, depth of flavor, or that irresistible gooey cheese pull.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto sauce perfectly for each bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, savory protein that forms the dish’s flavorful base.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance richness.
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (138 g): Brings a spicy, slightly smoky note that elevates the classic beef pasta combo.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (226 g): Gives that irresistible melty, stretchy texture.
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (113 g): Adds creamy, sharp notes for extra cheese complexity.
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces): Infuses the dish with bright tomato flavor and herbs.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures your pasta bake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with kosher salt and pepper until it’s no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the bake from getting too oily while preserving the beef’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Other Ingredients
Stir the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the beef. Add the pepperoni slices, one cup of mozzarella, the cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and the Italian seasoning. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly so every nook of the pasta gets coated with sauce and cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into your baking dish and generously top with the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella. Baking it for 25-30 minutes will melt the cheese to bubbly, golden perfection and meld all the flavors into one irresistible dish.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Let your cheesy creation sit for a few minutes once out of the oven. This resting time allows the bake to set slightly, making it easier to serve and even more delicious as the flavors continue to deepen.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant splash of color and a clean, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the cheese and meat.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty, cheesy main with some freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bake family-style straight from the dish for a cozy meal, or scoop it into individual ramekins and broil briefly for an extra bubbly, golden crust—your guests will be amazed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover pasta bake completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta bake by placing it in a freezer-safe container before baking or after it’s cooled. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a great meal prep option.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a little sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating gives it that fresh-from-the-oven charm.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for capturing sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even shells would all work wonderfully for this Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef and pepperoni with plant-based alternatives or hearty veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Just adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that the marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free. The bake will be just as delicious.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella or cheddar?
Try using provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mild gouda. Mixing different cheeses can add your own signature twist to the bake.
How spicy is the dish from the pepperoni?
The pepperoni adds a mild to moderate spicy kick depending on the brand. If you prefer less heat, opt for a milder pepperoni or reduce the amount used.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, thanks to its rich flavors and comforting warmth. It’s a straightforward, satisfying dish that turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try making it and enjoying every cheesy, meaty, delicious bite!
Print
Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole featuring al dente rotini pasta, savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni slices, and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines Italian-inspired flavors with the comforting texture of a warm pasta bake.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
Cheese
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef seasoned with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook until no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Then, remove from heat and drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add the cooked rotini pasta, 1 cup of pepperoni slices, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, all the shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes after baking to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Cooking the ground beef thoroughly and draining grease ensures a less oily bake.
- Using cooked pasta prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other cured meats or add vegetables like bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Letting the bake rest before serving helps the cheese set and enhances flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
