If you are craving a comforting and flavorful dinner that feels like a party on your plate, this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining all the classic pizza ingredients you love—spicy pepperoni, savory ground beef, tangy pizza sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese—with tender, perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings pizza to life in a whole new way. It’s quick, satisfying, and best of all, made in one pot to keep your cleanup easy and your kitchen smiling. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to weeknight meal that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple, essential ingredients that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each item plays a role in creating that beautiful balance between zesty, meaty, and cheesy, with a small kick of herbs to round it all out.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory flavor and a satisfying protein boost.
- 1 (5 oz) bag mini pepperoni: Gives bursts of spicy, smoky richness throughout the dish.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and aromatic base when sautéed.
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped: Adds a fresh crunch and lovely color contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, inviting depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers subtle heat and a balanced spice.
- 1 (14.75 oz) can beef broth: Keeps the pasta moist while adding richness.
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce: The heart of the dish, delivering classic tangy tomato goodness.
- 1 cup water: Helps cook the pasta to tender perfection.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for extra depth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings in aromatic herbs reminiscent of traditional pizza.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery herbaceous note.
- 3 cups small shell pasta (dry): Holds onto the sauce beautifully and cooks evenly in the pot.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts in luscious, gooey strands that tie everything together.
How to Make One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating a large skillet or pan with high sides and a lid—this will be your magic pot for the entire dish. Add the ground beef, mini pepperoni, green pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and the vegetables are tender—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, carefully drain any excess grease to keep your pasta from becoming oily.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Next, stir in the beef broth, pizza sauce, water, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. This mixture creates the perfect sauce that will infuse the pasta with all those vibrant flavors while it cooks. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a rolling boil.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add your dry small shell pasta straight into the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine. Then cover the pot with the lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it cook gently for 20 minutes. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb all the liquid, becoming tender and flavorful as it simmers with the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve
When the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Stir thoroughly to melt the cheese evenly, creating a creamy, cheesy blanket over the pasta. Serve it hot, and watch how everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!
How to Serve One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes elevates this dish beautifully. Try sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can add an extra cheesy tang. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes make a perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe is a full meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad balances the richness with light, refreshing greens. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also work wonderfully to soak up any remaining sauce, making sure nothing goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe bowls topped with extra cheese, then broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust. Alternatively, layering it in a casserole dish and baking can create a baked pasta version with crispy edges. Either way, this recipe is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an easy and delicious lunch option for the next day. Just be sure to eat within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. Freezing preserves all the flavor and cheesiness without drying it out.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture locked in. Either way, it’ll taste just as comforting and delicious as day one.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish a bit leaner. Just brown it thoroughly, and you may want to add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
What can I substitute for mini pepperoni?
If you don’t have mini pepperoni, regular sliced pepperoni works just fine, or you can use cooked sausage, ham, or even skip it for a vegetarian version by adding mushrooms or olives.
Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni can be used. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as smaller or larger pasta might require slight adjustments.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cooking time may vary slightly, so check pasta doneness accordingly.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the mini pepperoni. You can tone it down by using less pepperoni or spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe enough for busy nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and packed with all the classic pizza flavors. It’s a beautiful reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious. Next time you want a quick crowd-pleaser, give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new family favorite!
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One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta recipe is a delicious and convenient meal combining the flavors of pizza with hearty pasta, cooked all in a single skillet. Featuring ground beef, mini pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (5 oz) bag mini pepperoni
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.75 oz) can beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Pasta & Cheese
- 3 cups small shell pasta (dry)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet pan with high sides and a lid, add the ground beef, mini pepperoni, green pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook and crumble the beef until it is no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the dish from being greasy.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, pizza sauce, water, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Once the sauce is boiling, add the dry small shell pasta. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then cover the pot with the lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, during which the pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender. If after 20 minutes the liquid is not fully absorbed, continue cooking covered for a few more minutes until done.
- Add Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts and fully integrates into the pasta. Serve this comforting one-pot pizza pasta hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Drain the excess grease after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- If the pasta hasn’t absorbed all the liquid after 20 minutes, continue cooking covered for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with your own mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary if preferred.
- This recipe serves 8, making it great for meal prep or feeding a family.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and pepperoni and add mushrooms or extra vegetables.
