If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of tender rotini pasta mingling with seasoned ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and generous amounts of gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all baked to bubbly golden perfection. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve when friends come over. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe shines because of its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each one brings something essential: from the tender rotini pasta that holds all the flavors, to the flavorful ground beef and pepperoni that add a savory punch, and the cheeses that provide that irresistible gooey texture and golden crust.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta: Choose rotini for its twists that trap sauce and cheese beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices: Provides that classic spicy and smoky flavor you expect.
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided: Perfect for meltiness and gooey pulls.
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded: Gives a slight sharpness and creamy texture.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: Brings tangy tomato richness that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A hint of herbs to elevate the sauce and overall dish.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the pasta dish evenly while melting the cheese to that golden, bubbly texture. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking when it’s time to enjoy your bake.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the kosher salt and pepper. Break up the meat with your spoon as it cooks so it browns evenly and cooks through in about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess grease to keep the bake from getting too oily.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
With the beef cooked and seasoned, add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, the shredded mild cheddar, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning directly into the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly so every bite is packed with flavor and cheese. Transfer the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, laying the foundation for a perfect Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe.
Step 4: Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. This extra layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that makes the dish so irresistibly inviting and delicious.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the pasta to rest a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it easier to serve up those delicious, cheesy portions.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil are wonderful to sprinkle on top just before serving. They add a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery contrast to all that cheesy richness. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a fun kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty bake with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread works beautifully if you want something to soak up all those delicious marinara juices and cheese remnants.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This makes each portion look special and perfectly portioned. You could also top it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from drying out. It’s a perfect next-day meal when you want something quick and satisfying.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes wonderfully. Make the recipe up to the point before adding the final mozzarella topping and store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the cheese topping and bake as directed. Freezing won’t sacrifice any of that cheesy goodness!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the top cheese crust nice and melty. Alternatively, microwave servings are fine for a quick fix—just cover loosely to avoid splatters and heat in short bursts, stirring as needed.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for trapping sauce and cheese, 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 there a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies instead. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes to keep that savory bite.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely, this recipe is great for making ahead. Assemble it entirely, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It saves time and the flavors tend to meld even better.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the beef while cooking. You can also choose spicy pepperoni varieties for an extra punch.
What cheese alternatives work well in this bake?
Mozzarella and cheddar are classic, but you can mix in provolone, fontina, or even a bit of Parmesan for more complexity. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well to keep that signature gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s fun to make, filled with crowd-pleasing flavors, and versatile enough for many occasions. I encourage you to dive into this recipe soon—you’ll love how the layers of cheese, pepperoni, and pasta come together to create something truly special that everyone at the table will ask for again and again.
Print
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: American
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining al dente rotini pasta, savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses baked to golden perfection in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this baked pasta casserole is easy to prepare and delivers a delicious, cheesy, and hearty meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pastas and Meats
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions, drained
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup (138 g) pepperoni slices
Cheeses
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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 prevent sticking.
- Cook ground beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is no longer pink and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine ingredients: To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined. Then, transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Drain excess grease after cooking ground beef to avoid a greasy bake.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or omit for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
