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This Pizza Pasta brings together all the best flavors of a classic pizza in one comforting pasta dish. It’s straightforward to make and perfect for satisfying those pizza cravings without needing to order out. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite with its mix of savory meats, tangy marinara, and melty cheese.
I first made this on a busy weeknight, and it became an instant hit. Now it’s a go-to when I want something hearty but easy to whip up with a personal touch.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: provides a rich and savory base, choose lean to avoid excess grease
- Italian Sausage: adds a spicy and flavorful punch, opt for quality sausage with herbs
- Rotini Pasta: the spirals hold the sauce well, but penne or bowtie pasta work great too
- Yellow Onion: diced for sweetness and depth, fresh and firm onions work best
- Marinara Sauce: the heart of the flavor, select a good quality jarred sauce or homemade if possible
- Pepperoni Slices: classic pizza topping that adds salty, slightly spicy bursts
- Bacon Bits: give a smoky crunch, freshly cooked bacon chopped fine is ideal
- Mozzarella Cheese shredded: melts beautifully for that gooey pizza feel, use whole milk mozzarella for best melt and flavor
- Italian Seasoning: a balanced herb blend that ties everything together, fresh or dried works
- Garlic Powder: enhances the savory notes
- Onion Powder: adds subtle sweetness and complexity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Meat and Onions:
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onions. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and onions are translucent. This process infuses the dish with deep flavor. Drain excess grease carefully to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Season the Mix:
- Lower the heat slightly and sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder over the cooked meat and onions. Stir thoroughly so the seasoning melds with the mixture and enhances every bite.
- Combine Ingredients in the Skillet:
- Add marinara sauce, bacon bits, pepperoni slices, and cooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together so the sauce evenly coats the pasta and meats. This step brings all those classic pizza flavors into one pot.
- Add Cheese and Extra Toppings:
- Layer shredded mozzarella on top of the pasta mixture. Add a few extra bacon pieces and pepperoni slices for texture and bold flavor. If you reserved any meat mixture, scatter that on top to deepen the taste even more.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the skillet mixture for ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is completely melted and starting to turn golden. For a crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for two to three minutes but watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
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Mozzarella cheese really shines here, offering that signature stretchy melt that makes this dish so special. One memorable night, my family gathered around the oven while the cheese bubbled and browned, and the whole house smelled like our favorite pizzeria.
Storage Tips
This pizza pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the cheese melty and the pasta moist. You can also freeze for up to two months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for ground beef and sausage to cut fat and calories
- Use a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version
- Try sharp cheddar or provolone cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used to suit dietary needs without sacrificing texture
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to complete the pizza night experience
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving for an extra burst of flavor
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like penne, bowties, or rotini work well as they hold the sauce effectively.
- → How do I achieve a crispy cheese topping?
Bake at 350°F until cheese melts, then broil on high for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy finish.
- → What meats suit this dish best?
Combining ground beef and Italian sausage adds rich flavor and texture, but feel free to adjust to taste.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely, you can add any pizza toppings you enjoy, such as olives, peppers, or mushrooms.
- → How should I prepare the meat mixture?
Brown the meats with diced onions, season with Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion powders before combining with sauce and pasta.