Mouth-watering pizza pasta to satisfy your cravings

Are you a pizza lover looking for something new to try? Do you have a craving for the deliciousness of Happy Joe’s Pizza, but don’t live near one of their locations? Look no further! I’m here to introduce you to my take on the Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off recipe – a mouthwatering combination of two beloved foods: pizza and pasta.

As a culinary explorer, I’ve tasted some fantastic food in my travels. But there’s something about this Happy Joe’s creation that never fails to satisfy. For those who have had the fortune of trying it, there is no doubt that it is a uniquely irresistible dish, bursting with flavors that will leave you wanting more.

My recipe takes all the elements Happy Joe’s is known for – their rich tomato paste, gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheese blends, and hearty ground sausage – and combines them in the form of an oven-baked pasta. It captures the essence of everything you’d expect from Happy Joe’s pizza, all in one satisfying dish.

So why not give it a try? It only takes five ingredients, including shell pasta and Happy Joe’s signature pizza sauce. The result is the perfect dish to serve up at your next family dinner or potluck. Trust me; your guests will be begging for more!

Stay tuned for my step-by-step recipe guide on how to create this Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off from scratch – right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Listen up, pizza and pasta lovers! I’m about to introduce you to a dish that could take your taste buds on a thrilling ride. This recipe is not your ordinary pizza or pasta bake; it’s a fusion of the two. Behold, the Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off recipe!

Why should you try this recipe, you ask? Well, let me paint an enticing picture for you. Imagine digging into a comforting casserole that bursts with flavor at every bite. The tangy tomato paste and zesty pizza sauce mixed in with the al dente shell pasta gives you that satisfying chewiness. The combination of mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese makes for an oozy, melty topping that strings as you lift each forkful.

And we haven’t even gotten to the good part yet! This knock off recipe is inspired by none other than Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor – a staple American food chain that has been bringing joy to people’s stomachs since 1972. They’re known for their signature pizzas like the Taco Pizza and the Bacon Sauerkraut Pizza.

This recipe is an ode to Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza – one of their top sellers! Picture this: a pizza crust layered with refried beans, taco sauce, and seasoned ground sausage. Then topped off with mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and nacho chips. This mouth-watering concoction is oven-baked to perfection and served up satisfyingly hot.

But wait, there’s more! How about trying out something new? The New Bavarian-inspired Pizza is another tasty twist on the classic pizza recipe. Think sauerkraut pizza loaded with bacon bits and drizzled with creamy Thousand Island dressing.

So why would you love this recipe? It’s simple – because it’s packed with all your favorite flavors and textures from some of Happy Joe’s most delectable signature pizzas – all in one dish! Go ahead and give it a try; I dare you not to fall in love.

Ingredient List

Here are all the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock-Off Recipe:

• 12 ounces of shell pasta
• 1 pound of ground sausage
• 1 can (6oz) of tomato paste
• ½ cup of pizza sauce (I recommend using Happy Joe’s Pizza Sauce for best results)
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives.

Note: I recommend using high-quality ingredients for the best taste. For example, if possible use Happy Joe’s Pizza Sauce as it’ll add that authentic Happy Joe flavor to your dish. However, if you can’t find any, any good quality pizza sauce would do.

Also, feel free to add any toppings that you like. You can even use taco toppings like refried beans and taco sauce to create a Happy Joe Taco Pizza variation!

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients ready, let’s dive in! Follow these steps to create your Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock-Off recipe and taste the ultimate happiness:

STEP 1: Preheat Oven to 350°F

Before diving into the recipe, set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to make it ready for baking.

STEP 2: Cook the Pasta and Drain It

Next up is boiling the shell pasta. Follow the instructions mentioned on the packaging and cook until it’s al dente. Drain it in a colander and toss with a little bit of olive oil or butter so that pasta noodles don’t stick together.

STEP 3: Brown Ground Sausage

Take a sauté pan and brown the ground sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Stir occasionally for even browning.

STEP 4: Add Tomato Paste and Pizza Sauce

Once sausage is browned, add 1 can of tomato paste and stir well. Now add 1 jar of pizza sauce (around 680g) to this mixture and stir again until everything is combined.

STEP 5: Mix In Cooked Pasta

Pour your cooked pasta noodles into your sauté pan with tomato-pizza sauce mix. Gently stir everything together until all pasta is coated with this yumminess.

STEP 6: Add Cheese

Take a ½ cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over your pasta, followed by 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese respectively. Try not to pile up all cheese as a layer on top, distribute it evenly so that every bite has cheesy goodness!

STEP 7: Bake In Oven

Transfer everything from sauté pan to a greased baking dish (9×11 inches). Pop this dish in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese melt completely. The perfection of baking time may vary according to your oven type; keep an eye on it.

And finally, when done, take out the baked Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock-Off recipe from oven and let it cool down for few minutes before serving hot!

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is an art, and like all creative endeavors, it can benefit from experimentation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations in this Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe. Just because a recipe calls for a specific ingredient doesn’t mean you can’t substitute something else or leave it out entirely. Here are some alternatives to consider:

– Meat: If you prefer something other than ground sausage, try using ground beef or turkey instead. You could also swap in sliced pepperoni or cooked bacon for a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely or use a plant-based meat substitute.

– Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese is what makes this dish so deliciously cheesy, but feel free to add other cheeses as well. Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or Gouda would all be excellent additions.

– Sauce: If you don’t have tomato paste on hand, you can use marinara sauce or pizza sauce as a substitute. Taco sauce or refried beans are also excellent options if you want to add some Mexican-inspired flavor.

– Pasta: Instead of shell pasta, try using penne, rotini, or fusilli. You could also use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.

– Toppings: Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe is versatile enough to allow for customization with your favorite toppings. Try adding diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for extra flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your perfect pizza pasta recipe.

Incorporating these substitutions and variations into your cooking process will help unlock new flavors and textures in the dish. By experimenting with new combinations of ingredients to create different variations of the Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe, you might discover new signature pizzas to delight your taste buds for years to come!

Serving and Pairing

Are you looking for the perfect beverage to accompany your Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe? Look no further than a refreshing ice-cold soda, a classic American beverage to wash down any hearty meal. Personally, I prefer a cold Dr. Pepper with mine, but Coca-Cola or Pepsi will do just fine as well.

The versatility of this dish also means that it pairs well with a variety of sides. A side salad with Italian dressing makes for a healthy and tasty accompaniment. Alternatively, some garlic bread or cheesy garlic sticks will add a bit of indulgence and complement the flavors of the pizza and pasta wonderfully.

If you’re in search of dessert, why not try a scoop (or two) of Happy Joe’s famously delicious ice cream? Satisfy your sweet tooth with flavors such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, or Vanilla Bean. Indulging in some ice cream is the perfect way to round out your meal of comfort food.

With Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe, the serve-and-pair options are endless. Experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match made in culinary heaven.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Alright, let’s talk about how to store and reheat this pizza pasta knock-off recipe from Happy Joe’s. This meal is great for making ahead of time, especially if you’re hosting a big party or if you have a busy week ahead. In fact, I recommend making it the day before and reheating it when you’re ready for dinner.

To store this dish properly, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. When freezing, make sure to label the container with the name and date to avoid any confusion later.

When reheating, there are a few different methods that will work. If you have time, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and transfer the pasta bake to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Another option is to reheat in the microwave. Simply add your portion of pasta bake to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Be sure to stir the pasta halfway through to ensure even heating.

If you’re short on time or don’t want to use the microwave or oven, another option is to reheat on the stove-top. Add your portion of pasta bake to a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Remember, you want to ensure that the pasta doesn’t dry out during reheating, so adding some liquid can help prevent that from happening.

In conclusion, whether you choose to make this pizza pasta knock-off recipe ahead of time or not, storing and reheating it is easy and hassle-free! You’ll be able enjoy all those delicious flavors even after it’s been stored in your fridge or freezer.

Tips for Perfect Results

As a seasoned cook, I have come across some tricks and tips that will take your Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe to the next level. In this section, I will share with you some helpful tips for perfecting this dish every time you make it.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right pasta for this dish. While shell pasta is the original recommendation, you can opt for other types of pasta such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure that you cook the pasta al dente – not too soft nor too hard – to keep its texture intact in the final dish.

Next, puree the onion and green pepper before sautéing them in oil. This creates a smoother sauce that blends well with other ingredients such as ground sausage and tomato paste.

When it comes to cheese selection, combining cheddar and mozzarella cheese works great in this recipe as both are versatile and result in an excellent taste. However, consider buying block cheese and shredding it yourself instead of purchasing pre-shredded cheese which contains added chemicals to prevent clumping.

Another tip is adding more pizza sauce if you want your Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe saucier. Similarly, if you want it more cheesy, add more of your preferred cheese.

Lastly, save some leftovers if there are any! This dish tastes great reheated for lunch or even breakfast. Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

With these tips, your Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe will be even better than the original at their pizza parlor. Trust me; you will not regret trying out these small ways of elevating your cooking game.

Bottom Line

Now that you have all the information you need to make Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe, it’s time for you to get in the kitchen and give it a try. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love.

With its combination of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, ground sausage, and tomato paste, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try some of the substitutions and variations we’ve suggested to put your own twist on this classic recipe.

So whether you’re a fan of Happy Joe’s pizza chain or just looking for a new pasta bake to add to your repertoire, give this recipe a try today. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #happyjoespizza so we can see how it turned out!

Thank you for reading our recipe article on Happy Joe’s Pizza Pasta Knock Off Recipe. We hope you found it helpful and informative. Remember to always have fun in the kitchen and keep exploring new flavors and cuisines.

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