Pizza Hamburger Helper combines seasoned ground beef, crisped pepperoni, penne, marinara, and mozzarella in one lidded skillet. The pasta cooks directly in broth, sauce, and milk, so its starch helps create the rich coating instead of being drained away.
The recipe makes 6 generous servings in 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. Keep the penne mostly submerged during its 15-minute covered simmer, then add mozzarella in two stages and rest for 5 minutes.
Pizza Hamburger Helper Ingredients
Use 1 pound ground beef, 1 medium chopped onion, ¼ cup chopped pepperoni, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 2½ cups uncooked penne, 2 cups beef broth, 2 cups marinara sauce, ½ cup whole milk, and 2 cups shredded mozzarella.
Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Finish with dried parsley for garnish.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Pizza Tortellini Skillet.
How to Make Pizza Hamburger Helper
- Brown ground beef and onion over medium-high, breaking up the meat. Add salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes while cooking.
- When beef is mostly browned, add chopped pepperoni to the center. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, until beginning to crisp and release oil.
- Drain excess grease, add minced garlic, and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add beef broth, marinara, whole milk, and uncooked penne. Keep pasta mostly submerged.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce to medium-low, and cook about 15 minutes, stirring twice, until tender and most liquid absorbs.
- Stir in 1 cup mozzarella. Top with the remaining cup and melt over low heat or broil 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish and rest 5 minutes.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Brown Beef and Onion With the Seasonings
Crisp the Chopped Pepperoni
Use the Exact Skillet Liquids
Cover and Simmer About Fifteen Minutes
Add Mozzarella in Two Layers
Rest Five Minutes Before Serving
Storage and Reheating
Avoid Firm Pasta or a Thin Finish
Conclusion
Brown beef, onion, and five seasonings; crisp chopped pepperoni for 2 to 3 minutes, drain, and cook garlic 30 seconds. Add penne, broth, marinara, and milk. Cover medium-low about 15 minutes. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella, melt the other cup on top, garnish, and rest 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Does the penne need to be cooked first?
No. Add 2½ cups uncooked penne directly to the skillet liquids.
- → How long should the pepperoni crisp?
Cook the chopped pepperoni for 2 to 3 minutes.
- → Can I broil the mozzarella topping?
Yes, if the skillet is oven-safe; broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Otherwise melt it covered over low heat.
- → How many servings does this make?
It makes 6 generous servings in about 30 minutes.