When you’re craving a fusion of hearty pasta and all the best flavors of a supreme pizza, this Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake is the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger. Packed with savory meats, fresh vegetables, and rich cheeses, this recipe is a family favorite. Ready to learn how to make it? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish, step by step.
Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake
Ingredients for Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms (baby bellas or any variety you prefer), sliced
- 5 oz black olives, sliced
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 24 oz pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 cups cooked pasta (al dente)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pepperoni slices (optional, but highly recommended)
- Olive oil for sautéing
Step-by-Step Recipe for Supreme Pizza Pasta
1. Prepare the Meat
Start by browning 1 pound of Italian sausage and 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat up into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring it is browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish light and flavorful.
2. Add Seasonings and Vegetables
With the meat still in the skillet, season it with ½ tablespoon of black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. These spices add an earthy and aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the meat. After the seasonings are mixed, add in your chopped vegetables: 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper, and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms. Sauté these ingredients for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their flavors into the meat mixture.
3. Enhance with More Flavor
Next, stir in 5 ounces of sliced black olives and 6 slices of crumbled bacon. The olives provide a salty tang, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch. At this point, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of cooking meat, bacon, and spices—a sure sign that you’re on the right track!
4. Add the Sauce
Pour in 24 ounces of pizza sauce and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Stir everything together to ensure the sauce evenly coats the meat and vegetables. The pizza sauce is what brings that classic “supreme pizza” flavor to this dish, while the garlic adds a punch of extra flavor.
5. Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, cook 3 cups of pasta according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture (slightly firm to the bite). Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are excellent choices as they hold the sauce well. Once cooked, drain the pasta and stir it into the sauce mixture.
6. Assemble the Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, combine the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the sauce clings to every piece of pasta. Spread it out evenly, then top with 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you want to go the extra mile, lay a few slices of pepperoni across the top for that true pizza taste.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Tips for the Perfect Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake
– Choose the Right Pasta
Al dente pasta is essential for this dish. It prevents the pasta from becoming too soft after baking. Penne, ziti, or even rotini are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and holding their shape during baking.
– Experiment with Toppings
While this recipe calls for mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni, feel free to add your own favorite pizza toppings. Think jalapeños, ham, pineapple, or even extra mushrooms! The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility.
– Make It Ahead of Time
This recipe can easily be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Why This Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake Stands Out
This dish perfectly marries the flavors of a supreme pizza with the heartiness of a baked pasta casserole. The combination of sausage, beef, bacon, and pepperoni ensures that each bite is packed with bold, meaty flavors. Meanwhile, the pizza sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan give it that comforting pizza feel, and the vegetables add texture and freshness.
Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake will not disappoint. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your favorite pizza toppings.
Serving Suggestions
To round out this hearty dish, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are also excellent sides that complement the Italian flavors of the dish.
If you love pizza and pasta, this Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for you. Its rich, cheesy layers, combined with savory meats and vegetables, make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner yet indulgent enough to serve on special occasions. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation!
