Name: Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage); 1/2 onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 3 cups rotini pasta (measured before cooking); 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 14 ounce jar pizza sauce; 3/4 cup water; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided use; 36 slices pepperoni, divided use

If you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and downright satisfying, you’ve got to try this Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s like your two favorite comfort foods joined forces — pizza and baked pasta — to make something absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. I love how easy it comes together, and you’ll enjoy how it fills the house with those irresistible Italian aromas that get everyone’s stomach grumbling before it’s even out of the oven.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Combo: It brilliantly blends the best of pizza and pasta for unbeatable flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these in your pantry or fridge, so minimal shopping required.
Family-Friendly: My kids and friends always ask for seconds — it pleases picky eaters and cheese lovers alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It reheats beautifully for leftovers or can be frozen for quick meals later on.

A white square dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The bottom layer consists of rotini pasta mixed with a brown meat sauce, visible through patches of melted white cheese on top. The top layer is covered with evenly spaced, round, red pepperoni slices that have a shiny, slightly oily texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a bunch of fresh green parsley blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Pizza Pasta Bake, easy pizza pasta casserole, cheesy baked pasta, Italian comfort food, quick dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe plays a crucial role, balancing rich, savory, and cheesy flavors. Using rotini pasta is great because its twists help catch the sauce and cheese—making every bite deliciously saucy.

Flat lay of a mound of uncooked rotini pasta, a small pile of raw ground beef, a halved white onion showing its layers, a single whole garlic bulb clove, a few sprigs of dried Italian seasoning herbs, a white ceramic bowl filled with bright red pizza sauce, a small white bowl of clear water, a generous heap of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a neat stack of round pepperoni slices arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Baked Pizza Pasta Bake, easy pizza pasta casserole, cheesy baked pasta, Italian comfort food, quick dinner recipes

Ground beef (or Italian sausage): Adds hearty, meaty flavor; using Italian sausage can give it an extra spicy kick if you like.
Onion: Gives a mild sweetness and depth to the meat sauce when sautéed.
Garlic: Just one clove, but it amps up the flavor beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports the dish to classic Italian flavors.
Pizza sauce: This is the star sauce—find one with good herbs and tomatoes, or make your own for extra freshness.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce for coating the pasta perfectly without drying it out.
Rotini pasta: Its curly shape holds the sauce wonderfully—measure before cooking for best results.
Mozzarella cheese: Divided for mixing and topping—the meltiness is what makes this dish comfort-food gold.
Pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping that adds spice and texture; slicing some halves helps distribute the flavor in every bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a big fan of customizing this Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe to suit what’s in my fridge or the mood of the family. Don’t be shy to swap ingredients or add extras — it’s all about making it your own version of cozy.

Meatless version: I’ve swapped ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and mixed veggies; it still hits all the saucy, cheesy notes.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños gives it a great kick—my husband loves this variation.
Extra veggies: Spinach or bell peppers stirred in before baking adds freshness and color, perfect for sneaking in some greens.
Different cheese blends: Try adding Parmesan or provolone alongside mozzarella for richer, layered flavors.

How to Make Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain it well—drainage matters because soggy pasta will turn your bake watery. I like to rinse briefly with warm water to stop the cooking and keep the pasta from sticking, but if you prefer the sauce to cling tightly, just drain thoroughly without rinsing.

Step 2: Brown the Meat with Flavor

In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. Don’t rush this step — letting the meat get a nice sear adds big flavor. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir to blend. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease carefully so the dish isn’t too oily. This step ensures your bake is rich but not greasy.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the pizza sauce with water, then add the cooked pasta, half of your mozzarella cheese, browned beef mixture, and sliced pepperoni halves. I always slice pepperoni in half so every bite gets pepperoni flavor without overwhelming it. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with sauce and cheese.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier. Pour in your pasta mixture, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Lay the leftover whole pepperoni slices on top for that classic pizza look and extra crispy texture. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Baking Uncovered

After the initial covered bake, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese on top is fully melted and starts to turn golden. Watching the cheese bubble and brown a little is one of the best parts—makes your kitchen smell irresistible and signals that dinner is almost ready!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: I learned the hard way that mushy pasta ruins the dish, so always aim for ‘just al dente’ before baking.
Drain Excess Fat: Removing grease from the browned meat keeps the bake from being greasy but still packed with flavor.
Use Good Quality Pizza Sauce: It makes a huge difference—homemade or store-bought, just pick one that tastes fresh and herby to you.
Cover During Baking: Covering with foil traps moisture, so the cheese melts properly without drying out the pasta.

How to Serve Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate with a pasta dish made of three main layers: at the bottom, there are spiral rotini pasta with a light yellow color and a soft texture; the middle layer has crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with some melted cheese, showing a beige and light brown tone; the top layer is mainly slices of bright red pepperoni scattered over the pasta and meat, partially covered by more melted cheese with a creamy white color. There is also a yellow, round garlic bread piece placed behind the pasta on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Pizza Pasta Bake, easy pizza pasta casserole, cheesy baked pasta, Italian comfort food, quick dinner recipes

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or a pinch of dried oregano on top right after baking — it brightens the flavors and adds a fresh herbal note. Sometimes I add a little red pepper flake for spice, or drizzle with good olive oil if I’m feeling fancy that day.

Side Dishes

This baked pizza pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread — perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. My family also loves steamed broccoli on the side for a little veggie crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like scooping this bake into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal servings — it feels special and makes for a fun presentation. Also, topping with extra pepperoni or even a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving elevates the look and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually meld and taste even better the next day. Just make sure to cool the pasta bake completely before refrigerating to keep the texture spot on.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I freeze it in portioned containers before baking — that way, I can thaw in the fridge overnight and pop it into the oven covered for 25-30 minutes. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when you want homecooked comfort without the fuss.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer the oven at 350°F to preserve that crispy top and melt the cheese perfectly again. If you’re short on time, microwave it covered with a damp paper towel, but the texture won’t be quite the same as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this baked pizza pasta bake recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works great because it holds sauce well, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft during baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully. I recommend freezing before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It makes meal prep a breeze without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for hearty chopped mushrooms, cooked lentils, or your favorite plant-based crumbles. Adding veggies like bell peppers or zucchini also boosts flavor and nutrition.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce on hand?

You can easily substitute with marinara sauce or a simple mix of tomato sauce and Italian herbs. Just adjust seasoning to taste for that classic pizza flavor.
How do I avoid the pasta bake drying out?

Covering the dish with foil during baking traps moisture, keeping the pasta tender and sauce saucy. Also, mixing the sauce with water thins it slightly, preventing dryness without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe has truly become one of my go-to comfort meals—it’s simple, forgiving, and hits all the right notes for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. I love how it brings a slice of pizza joy in a cozy pasta form, and I’m sure once you try it, you’ll feel the same way. So grab your skillet, your favorite pizza toppings, and make it your own — because this recipe’s best quality is how easy and flexible it is. Trust me, your family is going to go crazy for it!