If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines gooey cheese, spicy pepperoni, and hearty pasta all in one dish, this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together the perfect blend of savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melty cheese for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or feeding a hungry group of friends, this recipe makes dinner time feel like a warm, cheesy hug you never want to end.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role to ensure a dark rich sauce, tender pasta, flavorful meat, and unbeatable cheese pull. These simple staples come together effortlessly for a dish bursting with texture and flavor.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds a hearty, juicy texture and savory depth to the bake.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Provides a subtle kick that balances the richness.
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices: Brings that classic pizza flavor and slight spice.
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided: Melts perfectly to create a golden, bubbly crust and gooey interior.
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a creamy sharpness for a layered cheese flavor experience.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Gives a fragrant herbaceous note that makes the dish taste homemade.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your cheesy creation won’t stick and pull apart when you serve it.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef seasoned with kosher salt and pepper. Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains and it’s starting to brown—this should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the bake from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Now here comes the best part—mixing everything together. Into the skillet with your cooked beef, add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, half of your shredded mozzarella, the cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir all these fantastic flavors until every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce and tangled with cheese and pepperoni. Transfer this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish for its final oven stage.
Step 4: Add the Final Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of your assembled pasta mixture. This extra layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that is the hallmark of any great bake and invites everyone to dig in.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a beautiful golden shade. Let your masterpiece rest a few minutes after baking to set everything before serving, so each serving holds perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or basil not only gives a splash of vibrant green color but also brightness that cuts through the richness wonderfully. Feel free to sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy hit.
Side Dishes
Since this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is a full-flavored, filling meal on its own, pair it with lighter sides like a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette also complements the bake nicely by adding some texture contrast and a perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or add a fun twist for family dinner, serve the bake in individual ramekins for personal cheesy bowls. Another idea is to customize toppings by letting everyone add their choice of extra veggies or hot sauce to their servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe taste just as amazing the next day! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for convenient lunches or easy reheat dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta bake before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with foil, and storing for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before baking as usual or bake straight from frozen by adding additional time.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or place the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 20 minutes. Check that the cheese is melty and the center is hot before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works perfectly by holding onto sauce well, penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta with ridges will also deliver great results for this cheesy bake.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap out the ground beef and pepperoni for plant-based meat substitutes or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to keep it hearty and delicious without the meat.
How spicy is this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe?
The pepperoni adds a mild to moderate spicy kick, but if you prefer it less spicy, opt for a mild pepperoni or reduce the amount. You can also spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble everything, cover your baking dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it ideal for busy days when you want dinner ready to bake and enjoy quickly.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella or cheddar?
Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild gouda work well as alternatives. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt nicely for that signature gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a celebration of all your favorite flavors wrapped in one warm, cheesy embrace. It is approachable, satisfying, and bursting with heartwarming taste that’s sure to become a household favorite. Next time you want a no-fuss dinner with big flavor impact, this pasta bake will be your go-to, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied bellies around the table.
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. Featuring al dente rotini pasta combined with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni slices, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s a comforting dish that combines the best of classic Italian flavors with the ease of a one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions, drained
Meat and Seasoning:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cheeses:
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Others:
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
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 ensure the pasta doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook the 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 fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: To the skillet with cooked beef, add the drained rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until all components are evenly mixed. Then, transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a delicious, melty cheese crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh color and slight herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- To prevent the pasta bake from being too watery, make sure to drain both the cooked pasta and any excess grease from the beef well.
- For a spicier version, substitute mild pepperoni with spicy pepperoni or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can prepare the beef and pasta mixture a day ahead, refrigerate it, then bake when ready.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add freshness to the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
