If you’re craving the perfect mashup of your favorite pizza flavors in an ultra comforting, easy-to-share format, this Pizza Casserole is your new weeknight hero. Loaded with saucy pasta, gooey cheese, pepperoni, fragrant Italian herbs, and all the savory goodness you expect from a pizza, it comes together in just one pan and disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish hits all the right notes—melty, hearty, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The amazing thing about Pizza Casserole is how just a handful of pantry basics and a few fresh touches can transform into something truly spectacular. Each ingredient packs a punch—building bold flavors, perfect texture, and that irresistible golden top everyone fights over.
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta: These short pasta shapes capture all the sauce and cheese in their curves, making each bite extra flavorful.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Pick your favorite—beef for a classic touch, or sausage for a little spice and extra depth.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds sweet, savory notes right from the start. Dice them small so they melt into the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that aromatic, pizza-parlor finish!
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce: Choose a brand or homemade version you love; this is what coats every pasta twist.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings together all those herby, pizzeria flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle hint of heat—skip or add more to taste!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The key to those melty, stretchy layers we all crave in Pizza Casserole.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfect for boosting flavor and browning the top.
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (plus extra for topping): Adds pops of classic pizza taste and looks so fun scattered on top.
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional): Bright, crisp, and colorful—totally up to your personal pizza style.
- Olive oil for greasing: Helps everything come out clean and keeps the casserole edges golden.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini or penne and cook until just al dente—remember, the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook it here. Drain well and set aside; a quick drizzle of olive oil will help keep the noodles from sticking while you prep the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Savory Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the chopped onion. As the meat cooks, use a spoon to break it up so it gets nicely crumbled and mixes with the onions. Once everything is beautifully golden and the meat is no longer pink, stir in the garlic and cook for just one minute—enough to release that wonderful aroma. If your sausage or beef has excess fat, drain it off. Add the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld and thicken slightly.
Step 3: Layer the Pizza Casserole
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked pasta, the hot meat sauce, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the mini pepperoni, and the green bell pepper if you’re using it. Mix everything together so every noodle gets coated in savory pizza goodness. Spoon the whole mixture into your greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, smoothing the top as you go. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan over it all, then scatter a generous handful of extra mini pepperoni on top to make it look irresistibly “pizza” from the first glance.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Slide your Pizza Casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. As it cooks, the cheese melts and turns golden, the sauce bubbles, and everything melds into a cheesy, savory masterpiece. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven—this makes slicing and serving much easier, and keeps all that molten cheese and sauce where it belongs.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
For a true pizza-inspired finish, sprinkle your Pizza Casserole with fresh chopped basil, a little more Parmesan, or even red pepper flakes. If you love that pizzeria vibe, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving makes each slice shine. Kids might love a dash of dried oregano—don’t forget to let everyone customize their plates!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but a simple green salad tossed in tangy Italian dressing is the classic route. Add some garlic bread or soft breadsticks to swipe through any sauce left on your plate, or keep things light with steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Pizza Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party or potluck, letting each guest dig into their own bubbling portion. For fun family nights, offer bowls of extra toppings (olives, mushrooms, or fresh herbs) at the table so everyone can personalize their slice. If you’re packing lunch, scoop leftovers into thermos containers—they’ll stay warm and delicious for hours!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pizza Casserole makes fantastic leftovers. Once cooled, transfer any extras to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and it reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches or speedy dinners.
Freezing
This recipe is a freezer winner! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil (and a layer of plastic wrap for extra insurance), and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5 to 10 extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through.
Reheating
For best results, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole (covered with foil to avoid drying out) in a 350°F oven until bubbly and steaming. If you want to refresh that golden cheesy top, run it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end—just watch it carefully!
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the beef or sausage, and load your casserole with all the veggies your heart desires: mushrooms, olives, roasted zucchini, spinach, or even artichokes for a Mediterranean spin. The cheesy, saucy layers will still deliver all that pizza flavor.
What’s the best type Main Course
This recipe works best with short, twisty shapes like rotini or penne, since they “trap” the sauce and cheese perfectly. But honestly, don’t hesitate to use whatever sturdy pasta you have on hand—shells or rigatoni are also great choices!
Can I make Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s one of the best things about this recipe! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, set it out at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it isn’t ice-cold before popping it in the oven.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative: black olives, sautéed mushrooms, cooked bacon, diced ham, or even a few jalapeño slices for heat. It’s just like building your favorite pizza—make it your own and have fun with it!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella is classic for Pizza Casserole, you can swap in provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza blend. A bit of cheddar adds color and tang, and even gouda brings an extra layer of creaminess. Mix and match as you please!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into this Pizza Casserole—it’s saucy, cheesy, and full of everyone’s favorite flavors. Whether you stick to the basics or load it up with extra toppings, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly. Gather your loved ones and enjoy some gooey, irresistible comfort tonight!
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Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pizza Casserole is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining pasta, savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
Additional:
- olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with onion until browned. Add garlic, then stir in the marinara/pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat sauce, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, mini pepperoni, and green bell pepper (if using). Transfer to casserole dish.
- Add toppings and bake: Top with remaining cheeses and extra pepperoni. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or cooked bacon.
- For a meatless version, omit the meat and load up on veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
