Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or macaroni work best)
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage or ground beef (or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or pizza sauce (or homemade)
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes (optional, for extra sauce texture)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup cooked meatballs, halved or quartered (optional, for extra meatiness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sausage (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Combine Pasta & Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, meat sauce, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and half the pepperoni.
- Mix until everything is coated and evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Pour pasta mixture into the dish.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Add the rest of the pepperoni and meatball pieces on top like pizza toppings.
5. Bake
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Variations:
- Veggie-loaded: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or olives.
- Cheesier: Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamy bake.
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
- Kid-friendly: Use mini pasta shapes and mild sausage.
Benefits:
Comfort food that feeds a crowd
Freezer-friendly — bake one, freeze one!
Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
Great for meal prep (leftovers taste even better!)
