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
Scale
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.
