Baked Pasta Pizza Hut Style Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Pasta Pizza Casserole combines the best of two beloved dishes into one hearty, cheesy meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want a comforting dish with a pizza twist. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this baked casserole will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni, cooked al dente)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 20 slices pepperoni (or preferred toppings)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture and mix well.
7. Step 7: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Step 8: Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Step 10: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier, more flavorful casserole.
• Add your favorite pizza toppings like sliced jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra cheese.
• To make it vegetarian, skip the meat and add extra vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.
• For a creamier texture, mix in ½ cup of ricotta cheese with the pasta and sauce before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work best because their shape holds the sauce well, but you can use any short pasta like rotini or shells.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Baked Pasta Pizza Hut Style Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Baked Pasta Pizza Casserole combines the best of two comfort foods: pasta and pizza. Featuring penne pasta tossed in a flavorful pizza sauce with ground beef, Italian seasonings, and topped with classic pizza toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and bell peppers, this casserole is baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that captures the spirit of Pizza Hut style in a hearty pasta bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Sauce

• 12 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni, cooked al dente)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup mushrooms (sliced, optional)

Cheeses and Toppings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 20 slices pepperoni (or preferred toppings)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking together.
3. Brown Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion is softened.
5. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring all pasta is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.
7. Layer Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Top with Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining pasta in an even layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then evenly distribute the pepperoni slices, black olives, chopped green bell pepper, and mushrooms.
9. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing and enhanced flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or turkey for different flavor profiles.
• Feel free to add or omit vegetables such as black olives and mushrooms based on preference.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: pasta casserole, baked pasta, pizza casserole, Pizza Hut style pasta, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, baked penne