If you are looking for a hearty, mouthwatering dish that combines the best of two beloved comfort foods, look no further than this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that perfectly captures all the zesty flavors of classic pizza in a cozy pasta format. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly everything comes together in just one pot, giving you that rich, cheesy, and saucy delight without the fuss of multiple pans. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends with minimal cleanup, this dish is a fantastic way to bring everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe just right depends on some simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding depth, texture, or that irresistible pizza flair that defines the dish.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides a savory, protein-rich base and gets beautifully browned for flavor.
- 1 (5 oz) bag mini pepperoni: Adds classic pepperoni heat and heartiness in every bite.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped: Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and richness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of earthiness and spice.
- 1 (14.75 oz) can beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that deepens the dish’s meaty complexity.
- 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce: The heart of the recipe, delivering that perfect tomatoey, herby taste.
- 1 cup water: Helps cook the pasta and thins the sauce just right for perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian character to every mouthful.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds an aromatic note that elevates the whole dish.
- 3 cups small shell pasta (dry): Easy to eat and excellent at holding onto all that cheesy sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty finish that ties everything together like a dream.
How to Make One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating a large skillet with high sides and a lid. Add your lean ground beef, mini pepperoni, finely chopped green pepper, onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper all at once. Stir and cook everything together until the beef loses all its pink color and the vegetables soften slightly—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned to perfection, drain out any excess grease so your dish doesn’t get too oily but stays packed with flavor.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Next, pour in the beef broth, pizza sauce, water, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning and dried basil. Stir everything together thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This step melds the savory and herbaceous elements, setting the stage for the perfect pizza taste nestled in every bite of pasta.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
After your flavorful sauce is boiling, stir in the dry small shell pasta and bring the entire mixture back to a boil. Then cover the pan with the lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious liquid. Check at the 20-minute mark to see if the water has evaporated; if it needs a bit longer, just cook it a few more minutes with the pot covered.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Once your pasta is cooked through and saucy, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Stir gently to incorporate the cheese so it melts evenly, creating that iconic, gooey, and bubbling pizza topping texture right in your pasta. Serve it immediately for the best, freshest cheesy pull.
How to Serve One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Freshly grated Parmesan can also add a nutty, savory layer while a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will give a subtle kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish is deliciously filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can balance the richness perfectly. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice would brighten the meal, while toasted bread slices soaked in olive oil and herbs complement the Italian flavors marvelously.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pizza pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or even bread bowls. Adding a side of roasted veggies or incorporating olives and sun-dried tomatoes before cooking can also personalize the experience, making this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe your signature meal that dazzles both in taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy dinner option. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so reheating it can be just as delicious.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to do so without the cheese mixed in, as mozzarella can change texture when frozen and thawed. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding fresh cheese on top.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover pizza pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick or dry. Stir occasionally until heated through, then add fresh shredded mozzarella to melt and bring that fresh-from-the-pot experience back to life. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through is key for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap lean ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and remember that sausage might add extra seasoning on its own.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Skip the meat and mini pepperoni, then boost flavor by adding plenty of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it completely vegetarian.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Small shell pasta works best because it holds the sauce nicely, but you can experiment with other small shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne for a different texture. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.
What type of pizza sauce works best in this recipe?
Using a good-quality jarred pizza sauce is convenient and tasty for this recipe. If you prefer, you can substitute with marinara or tomato pasta sauce, but punch up the flavor with extra Italian seasoning to keep that classic pizza vibe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in advance, then combine and cook the pasta fresh before guests arrive to keep the texture perfect. Alternatively, cook fully and reheat gently just before serving, adding fresh cheese to melt on top.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is truly one of those comforting marvels that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The simple ingredients come together so effortlessly, yet the result tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen crafting it. Whether it becomes a weekday family favorite or your go-to for casual gatherings, I promise you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious, cheesy adventure—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta recipe combines classic pizza flavors with the ease of a one-pot meal. Ground beef, mini pepperoni, vegetables, and pasta are cooked together in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (5 oz) bag mini pepperoni
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 3 cups small shell pasta (dry)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet with high sides and a lid, add ground beef, mini pepperoni, green pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, crumbling the beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in beef broth, pizza sauce, water, and tomato paste into the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the dry small shell pasta and bring to a boil again. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If some liquid remains, continue cooking covered for a few more minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Stir gently to incorporate and allow the cheese to melt. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to reduce fat content.
- If fresh herbs are available, substitute for dried basil and Italian seasoning for more vibrant flavor.
- Add more water or broth if the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly to prevent burning.
- This dish can be customized with additional vegetables such as mushrooms or olives.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
