Why is my pasta mushy after baking?

You likely cooked the pasta to full al dente per the package. For this bake, always undercook it by 2 minutes as the oven will continue cooking it.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Portion cooled leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne or rotini are ideal because their ridges and hollows catch the sauce and cheese, giving you maximum flavor in every bite.

How do I get the pepperoni extra crispy?

Place pepperoni slices directly on the top cheese layer and broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Home / Recipes / italian_american / Pizza Pasta Bake

italian_americanEasynon vegetariannut freesoy freehigh protein

Pizza Pasta Bake

RATING

4.7/5(98)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

A fun, family-friendly casserole that combines two comfort food favorites into one bubbly, cheesy dish. Tender pasta is tossed in a zesty marinara sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella and pepperoni, then baked until golden and crispy on top. This easy weeknight wonder brings all the pizza shop flavor to your dinner table in one satisfying bake.

PREP

15m

COOK

25m

SERVES

1 CUP

774 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 7 STEPS

prep · ~15 min
Preheat the oven and cook the pasta.
1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2.Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp salt.
3.Cook pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
TIPSlightly undercooking the pasta keeps it from turning mushy in the oven.
saute · ~12 min
Brown the beef.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2.Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
3.Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4.Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
TIPLet the beef sear undisturbed for a minute before breaking it up — this develops deeper flavor.
simmer · ~10 min
Build the marinara sauce.
1.Pour the pureed tomatoes into the skillet with the beef.
2.Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.
3.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
mix · ~1 min
Toss the pasta with the sauce.
1.Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce.
2.Fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
assemble · ~3 min
Layer the casserole.
1.Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2.Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
3.Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
4.Arrange pepperoni slices on top and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
TIPTuck a few pepperoni slices just under the cheese so they crisp up without burning.
bake · ~20 min
Bake until bubbly and golden.
1.Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2.Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the pepperoni is crisp at the edges.
garnish · ~5 min
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
1.Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
2.Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top and serve.
TIPLetting the bake rest helps the slices hold their shape when you scoop them out.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Slightly undercook the pasta by 2 minutes so it doesn't turn mushy after baking.
2
Let the ground beef sear undisturbed for a minute before stirring for deeper browning.
3
Tuck a few pepperoni slices under the cheese to prevent them from burning in the oven.
4
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking so the layers set and slices hold their shape.
5
Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces for even distribution in every bite.
6
For extra crisp topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.

RECIPE VARIATIONS