Description
This Cheesy Beef and Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a deliciously comforting casserole that combines al dente rotini pasta with savory ground beef, spicy pepperoni slices, and a rich blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Baked in a marinara sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, this hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or gathering, delivering a warm, cheesy, and flavorful meal in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastas and Meats
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
Cheeses
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat 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: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season it with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Using the same skillet, add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Drain excess grease from the cooked beef to reduce fat content and avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute pepperoni with sliced cooked sausage or omit it for a milder flavor.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or chopped onions when cooking the ground beef.
- This dish can be made ahead by assembling it and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking; add extra baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
