Description

This One-Pot Pizza Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a comforting pasta dish. Made with lean ground beef, mini pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and a blend of Italian seasonings, it’s cooked all in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

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

Liquids and Seasonings

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 and Cheese

3 cups small shell pasta (dry)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Brown Meat and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet pan with high sides and a lid, add the ground beef, mini pepperoni, chopped green pepper, onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring and crumbling the beef until it is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, pizza sauce, water, and tomato paste. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and dried basil into the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook Pasta: As the mixture begins to boil, add the dry small shell pasta directly into the skillet. Stir briefly to prevent sticking. Allow it to return to a boil, then cover the skillet with the lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If after 20 minutes there is still excess liquid, continue cooking covered for a few more minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Add Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Stir gently to melt the cheese into the pasta, creating a creamy and cheesy texture. Serve the pizza pasta hot and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and consistency.

Notes

This recipe can be customized by swapping ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
Use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
Ensure to frequently stir the pasta during cooking if your skillet is shallow or to prevent sticking.
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.