If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and hearty pasta, look no further than this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s that perfect dish where rich flavors meet melt-in-your-mouth textures, bringing a warm, inviting vibe to your table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy dish that feels like a special treat, this bake hits all the right notes with melty cheeses, a savory tomato sauce, and just the right touch of spice from pepperoni. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a masterpiece that bursts with flavor and beautiful textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role from the al dente pasta providing a firm base, to the pepperoni giving a deliciously spicy punch, all topped off with melty cheeses that create that irresistible cheesy crust.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: The perfect twisty shape to hold onto sauce and cheese in every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty richness and savory depth to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A subtle kick to balance the richness.
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices: Provides that classic zesty and slightly spicy flavor we love.
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded: Delivers creamy, stretchy cheese pulls every time.
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, tangy layer that complements the mozzarella.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: Brings a rich, tomatoey base that coats everything perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the dish together with herbs.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat to Perfection
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring the bake won’t stick and will come out smooth and perfect. This simple step makes such a difference when it comes to clean serving and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet set to medium-high heat, brown your ground beef. Season it with kosher salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors and cook until there’s no more pink—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the excess grease for a cleaner, less oily bake that still tastes rich and satisfying.
Step 3: Mix All the Yummy Ingredients
Return to that skillet and toss in your cooked rotini pasta, the zesty pepperoni slices, half of your shredded mozzarella cheese, the mild cheddar, your savory marinara sauce, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until you have a beautiful, uniform mixture where every component has a chance to shine and blend.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is hot, bubbly, and starting to turn a perfect golden brown. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving, so those flavors meld and the cheese sets slightly.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves adds bright color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni wonderfully. Don’t underestimate how a simple touch of green can uplift the visual and flavor profile of your pasta bake.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which provides a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover sauce, making your meal feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe straight from the casserole dish for a rustic, family-style vibe that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, scoop individual portions into small ramekins for a cozy, personalized presentation that would impress guests or make weeknight dinners feel a bit more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Place cooled portions or the whole dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to revive that bubbly cheesy goodness. If you’re short on time, the microwave works, but covering the dish will help keep it moist and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for capturing sauce and toppings, penne, rigatoni, or shells would also make excellent choices. Just be sure to cook them al dente to maintain good texture after baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef and pepperoni with plant-based alternatives or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, use spicy pepperoni instead of mild, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the beef while cooking. Those subtle adjustments make a big impact.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can mix all the ingredients and assemble the bake a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and then bake it fresh when you’re ready. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
What’s the best way to get a golden crust on top?
A combination of using good-quality mozzarella and baking uncovered in a preheated oven helps achieve a beautifully bubbly and golden crust. If needed, you can finish under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a standout dish that brings warmth and happiness to the table with every bite. It’s straightforward to prepare, endlessly comforting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasers for gatherings.
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining al dente rotini pasta with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni slices, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, the dish is baked until golden and bubbly, offering a delightful mix of textures and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season it with kosher salt and pepper. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine ingredients: Return the skillet to the stove and add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Bake: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is hot, melted, and bubbly. Once done, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the pasta bake to set.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Cooking the ground beef thoroughly and draining grease is important to avoid excess fat in the pasta bake.
- For a spicier kick, substitute pepperoni with spicy varieties or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties will give a better melt and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
