Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite like a hearty, cheesy pasta bake to bring everyone to the table with smiles and hungry eyes. This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe hits all those comfort food notes—it’s loaded with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and just the right amount of Italian seasoning to keep things interesting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, casual family gathering, or day when you just want an easy crowd-pleaser, this dish is an absolute winner.

I love this recipe because it’s as fuss-free as it is delicious. You can get the whole thing done in under an hour, and it tastes like you’ve been cooking it for hours. Plus, the pasta stays perfectly al dente, and the pepperoni adds that little spice and texture punch I crave. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food—you might even find yourself making it again the very next week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients mesh beautifully to create a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying bake. I like to stick to mozzarella for that creamy melt and add mild cheddar for a little sharpness. And don’t skimp on the pepperoni—it’s what gives this dish its signature spark.

• Rotini Pasta: The twists hold onto sauce and cheese perfectly for every bite.
• Ground Beef: Provides savory richness; lean ground beef helps balance the dish.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance flavor during cooking.
• Pepperoni Slices: Adds that classic pizza element everyone loves.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For creamy melting goodness, divided for layering.
• Mild Cheddar Cheese: Adds depth and a touch of sharpness to the cheese blend.
• Marinara Sauce: I opt for one with good herbs and no added sugar.
• Italian Seasoning: To tie all the flavors together with a hint of herbs.

Variations

I love making this dish my own by mixing up the toppings or swapping cheeses depending on what’s in my fridge. Feel free to get creative—you’ll discover some great twists that work even better for your taste buds.

• Add Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives are my go-to when I want something fresher and a bit more colorful.
• Spicy Kick: I sometimes substitute spicy pepperoni or stir in red pepper flakes for a little heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Cheese Swap: Try parmesan or provolone for a richer or tangier flavor profile if you want to mix things up.
• Meat Variations: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef to deepen the flavor and add some extra zest.

How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pasta Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. While the oven’s warming up, boil your rotini pasta following the package directions—just be sure to cook it al dente as it will bake a bit more and you don’t want mushy pasta in the end. Drain it well and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown Your Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef with kosher salt and pepper. Stir and cook it until it’s no longer pink and just starting to get a little crust—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep the bake from being greasy.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

To that browned beef, add the cooked pasta, pepperoni slices, half the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir so everything’s evenly combined—this is where the magic really starts coming together. Once mixed, transfer everything to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until you see that bubbly, golden cheese melting beautifully on top. Once out, let it rest for a few minutes—that little pause helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and mild freshness that cuts through all the richness. You could also add a little grated parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper to brighten things up and add a slight kick.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Both balance out the richness perfectly and add some veggies to the meal. Breadsticks or garlic bread are a classic pairing too if you’re feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve scooped this pasta bake into individual mini ramekins or even hollowed-out bell peppers for a cute, portion-controlled serving. Using colorful bakeware or adding fresh herbs visibly on top really ups the presentation game without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I make this, I always portion out the leftovers right away so it’s easy to grab just what I need for a quick meal later on.

Freezing

This pasta bake freezes really well, which is a lifesaver on busy days. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, freeze before baking, and when you’re ready, bake it covered at 375°F for about 45 minutes, removing the foil halfway through to brown the cheese topper.

Reheating

I reheat leftover servings in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the cheese melty and the edges crisp. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some of that nice crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I’ve made it countless times for busy weeknights, potlucks, and even when friends drop by unexpectedly—and it never fails to impress. Its simplicity and soul-satisfying flavors make it a recipe I highly recommend you add to your rotation. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen too.

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