Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s cheesy, it’s delicious, and it’s the ultimate dinner treat. Now imagine taking that iconic pizza flavour and mixing it with fresh pasta — that’s exactly what this pasta pizza bake delivers. It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s a brilliant way to get a comforting, cheesy dinner on the table that the whole family will enjoy.
Don’t let the “pizza” name fool you into thinking this is only a Friday-night indulgence. There are vegetables and lean minced beef layered through this dish, so alongside the melted cheesy topping you’re also getting a good balance of protein and carbs to keep everyone full.
You May Also Enjoy: Try This Neapolitan Pizza Recipe For Your Next Family Pizza Night
Love Pizza? You Have to Try This Pasta Pizza
Ingredients
- 400g of dry small pasta (penne or similar)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 500g lean minced beef
- 1 jar of tomato passata
- 60g of mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 350g of sour cream
- 150g cheddar or mozzarella cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Black olives, halved (optional)
Method
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil, add the pasta and cook according to the packet instructions.
2. In a large pan, gently fry the onion, then add the minced beef and brown over a medium heat.
3. Add the tomato passata and simmer for 15 minutes, seasoning to taste.
4. Preheat the oven to 175°C / 350°F.
5. Grease a large baking dish and layer as follows: half the pasta, the mozzarella slices, the sour cream, half the sauce mixture, the remaining pasta, the cheddar cheese, and the remaining sauce mixture.
6. Top with grated parmesan cheese and some halved black olives, if your kids like them.
7. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheeses are melted and golden.
You May Also Enjoy: 9 Simple Pasta Recipes For Kids (And They’re Ready Quickly!)
Are you going to make this pasta pizza dish? Do you think it would go down well with your kids? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta pizza ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the full dish up to the baking step, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if going in cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze pasta pizza?
This dish freezes well once baked and cooled. Store in a freezer-safe container and reheat thoroughly until piping hot all the way through before serving.
Can I swap the beef for something else?
Yes — lean minced turkey or chicken works well as a substitute, and you can add extra chopped vegetables such as courgette or peppers to the sauce for a veg boost.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, a gluten-free small pasta shape can be used in place of regular pasta if needed for family dietary requirements. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check the packet instructions.
Related Articles
- Try This Neapolitan Pizza Recipe For Your Next Family Pizza Night
- 9 Simple Pasta Recipes For Kids (And They’re Ready Quickly!)
Save This For Later
Love this recipe? Save the page or add it to your family recipe favourites so it’s easy to find next time you’re planning dinner.
Get More Family Food Ideas
Want more easy family dinner ideas straight to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter for simple recipes, activity ideas, and family tips — no spam, just useful stuff for busy parents.
