Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
1 lb large shell pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
2 tbsp butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
6 oz pepperoni, quartered
2 cups marinara sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the large shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the quartered pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Mix with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
