🍕🧀 Loaded Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake

Bring together the best of two comfort food favorites with this Loaded Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake. Tender rigatoni pasta is tossed with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, crispy pepperoni, smoky bacon, and plenty of melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this hearty casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game days, or family dinners.

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🕒 Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories: Approximately 620 calories per serving

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📝 Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) box rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup mini pepperoni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup bacon bits
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Toppings

• Extra shredded mozzarella cheese
• Additional mini pepperoni
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil leaves

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Cook the rigatoni according to the package directions until al dente.

Drain well and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns.

Drain any excess grease.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt if needed.

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Step 3: Make the Pizza Sauce Mixture

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef.

Stir well to combine.

Add half of the bacon bits and half of the mini pepperoni.

Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

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Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni with the meat sauce.

Add half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring until evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

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Step 5: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top.

Scatter the remaining mini pepperoni and bacon bits across the cheese.

Finish with a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

For an extra golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

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Step 7: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh basil if desired.

Serve hot with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.

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💡 Tips

• Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Drain excess grease from the beef to keep the casserole from becoming oily.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
• Add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, onions, or black olives for a deluxe pizza-style version.
• For a crispier pepperoni topping, place some slices on top of the cheese before baking.

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🍕 Variations

🌶️ Spicy Pizza Pasta Bake

Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

🍄 Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake

Mix in sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and sliced black olives.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Version

Add ricotta cheese between the pasta layers and top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.

🍗 Chicken Pizza Pasta Bake

Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken or diced grilled chicken breast.

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📌 Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

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📝 Recipe Notes

• Rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and hollow center hold plenty of sauce and melted cheese.
• Feel free to substitute penne, ziti, or rotini if preferred.
• This pasta bake can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
• Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, potlucks, and game-day gatherings, this cheesy pizza-inspired casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.