Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is a delightful fusion of pizza and pasta that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With rich flavors, gooey cheese, and the option to customize with your favorite toppings, this dish is a family favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the comforting aroma as it bakes to golden perfection, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef or sausage
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté ground meat, onion, and bell peppers until the meat is browned and vegetables are soft (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, stirring well.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture followed by half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute ground meat with your choice of protein or make it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables. Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavor profiles. Let the dish cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.