Introduction
This Cheesy Beef & Pepperoni Bowtie Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort-food dinner, combining tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, savory pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbling and golden, it delivers all the flavors of a cheesy pizza in a hearty pasta casserole.
Recipe Overview
| Details | Information |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Course | Dinner |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together two family favorites—pizza and pasta—in one delicious casserole. The combination of juicy seasoned beef, pepperoni, tomato sauce, and melted cheese makes every bite rich and satisfying.
It is also an easy one-dish dinner that works beautifully for busy weeknights. You can prepare it ahead of time, customize the toppings, and use whatever cheese or vegetables you have available.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Bowtie pasta (farfalle) | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
For the Beef & Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Pizza sauce or marinara sauce | 2 cups (480 ml) |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 cup (240 g) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp, or to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp, optional |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 2 cups (200 g) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup (50 g) |
| Pepperoni slices | 1–1½ cups |
| Fresh parsley or basil, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain well and set aside. Toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce
Add the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
5. Combine With the Pasta
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the beef and tomato sauce.
6. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta and gently mix.
Spread the pasta into an even layer, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Add the Pepperoni
Arrange the pepperoni slices over the top. You can slightly overlap them for an extra cheesy-pizza-style finish.
8. Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
For extra-browned pepperoni and cheese, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
9. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Best Tips
Cook the pasta just until al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become soft and mushy in the finished casserole.
For the best flavor, brown the beef thoroughly before adding the sauce. This creates deeper, richer flavors throughout the dish.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella when possible. It melts beautifully and creates the stretchy, gooey cheese topping shown in the photo.
Best Ingredient Options
Ground beef: Use lean or regular ground beef. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can also be substituted.
Cheese: Mozzarella is ideal, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza blend can also work.
Sauce: Pizza sauce gives the dish a classic pizza flavor, while marinara creates a slightly more tomato-forward pasta bake.
Pasta: Farfalle is perfect for this recipe, but penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells work well too.
Recipe Variations
Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, and onions for a supreme-pizza-inspired version.
Spicy Beef & Pepperoni Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Creamy Cheesy Version
Stir ½ cup of cream cheese or ricotta into the sauce before adding the pasta for an extra-creamy casserole.
Vegetable Version
Replace some of the beef with mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli.
What to Serve With
Serve this hearty pasta bake with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.
Garlic bread or toasted Italian bread is also excellent for soaking up the rich tomato and cheese sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the pasta bake up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. Bake until heated through and bubbling.
You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time when starting from cold.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating
For individual portions, microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring or rotating halfway through.
For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout.
Freezing
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds its texture during baking.
Using too much sauce: Excess sauce can make the casserole watery. Use enough to generously coat the pasta without drowning it.
Skipping the seasoning: Beef and pasta need enough seasoning to balance the cheese and tomato sauce.
Over-broiling: The cheese and pepperoni can burn quickly under the broiler, so watch them closely.
Nutrition Estimate
| Nutrient | Approx. Per Serving |
| Calories | 550–650 kcal |
| Protein | 32–38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45–55 g |
| Fat | 27–34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11–14 g |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
| Sugar | 6–9 g |
| Sodium | 900–1,200 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, shells, and ziti are all excellent substitutes for bowtie pasta.
Can I make this without pepperoni?
Absolutely. Simply leave it out or replace it with cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes. If you already have cooked ground beef, simply warm it with the onion, garlic, and sauce before combining it with the pasta.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that the pizza sauce, pepperoni, and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, onions, and olives are delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef & Pepperoni Bowtie Pasta Bake is a simple, satisfying dinner that combines the best parts of a classic pizza with comforting baked pasta. With seasoned beef, flavorful tomato sauce, crispy-edged pepperoni, and plenty of bubbling mozzarella, it is an easy family meal that is sure to disappear quickly.