If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and perfectly cooked pasta, look no further than this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s comfort food at its absolute best, layering savory ground beef, tangy marinara, and melty mozzarella into one irresistible dish that’s perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers. The blend of textures and flavors makes each bite a little celebration, and the whole process is straightforward enough to become your new go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe comes together with simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its delicious layers. From the bite-sized pepperoni that adds a spicy punch to the combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses that bring creamy, melty goodness, every component enhances texture, flavor, and color in this hearty casserole.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: Twisted pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Perfectly seasons the beef to bring out its natural flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A subtle kick to balance the richness.
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices: Brings a zesty, slightly spicy accent with every bite.
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided: Essential for creamy meltiness and that coveted golden crust.
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a mild tang and extra gooeyness.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The heart of the bake, providing bright tomato flavors and a luscious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the savory elements together.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready for baking the pasta. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This little step guarantees your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick, making cleaning up a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef alongside the salt and pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks, stirring until it’s completely browned and no pink remains—this usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In that same skillet, toss in the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese starts to melt and the sauce evenly coats every bite of pasta. Then transfer this flavorful mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Add More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. This layer is going to melt and bubble up, creating that inviting golden cheese crust that makes this baked pasta so addicting.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just slightly golden on top. Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes to set before serving—this rest time helps those cheesy layers hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top works wonders to brighten this rich pasta bake. A little green pop adds color contrast and a fresh herbal note, balancing the savory, cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Something light and fresh helps cut through the richness and completes the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bake in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can even add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil right before serving to step up the flavor and make the dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe keeps really well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, making reheated portions taste delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another day, this pasta bake freezes beautifully. Portion it into a freezer-safe container and it’ll last up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, though the oven method keeps the top cheesy and nice and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for catching sauce, penne, ziti, or rigatoni also work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are leaner alternatives that still pair well with the spices and sauce in the bake. For a vegetarian option, try cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine and saves time, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! Prepare the mixture and assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking as directed.
How spicy is the pepperoni in this pasta bake?
The pepperoni adds a mild to moderate spicy kick, depending on the brand. If you prefer less heat, you can use a milder variety or reduce the amount.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. From the melty cheeses to the savory blend of seasoned beef and zesty pepperoni, every bite is pure comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your dinner rotation—once you do, it’s hard to imagine weeknights without it!
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring al dente rotini pasta combined with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni slices, and a rich blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all baked in a savory marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this easy-to-make casserole delivers a delicious twist on classic pasta bake recipes.
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions, drained
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cheese & Sauce
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook ground beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is no longer pink and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine ingredients: To the 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 thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes stovetop + 25 minutes baking
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
