Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the flavors of classic pizza into a hearty, family-friendly baked dish. Loaded with pasta, gooey cheese, savory meat, and zesty pizza sauce, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick to put together and satisfies all my pizza cravings in a warm, bubbly casserole. It’s versatile, customizable, and packed with familiar flavors that everyone loves. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a potluck, this dish never fails to disappear fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
ground beef or Italian sausage
pepperoni slices
pizza sauce or marinara sauce
mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
onion, chopped
green bell pepper, diced (optional)
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
olive oil

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

3. In a skillet, I heat a little olive oil and sauté the onion (and bell pepper if using) until soft. I add the ground beef or sausage, season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.

4. I stir in the pizza sauce and bring it to a simmer for a few minutes.

5. I combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, then layer half into the baking dish.

6. I top with half the mozzarella and some pepperoni slices, then repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese, and pepperoni. I finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

7. I cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. I let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in under an hour.

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms, olives, or cooked bacon for extra flavor. When I want to lighten it up, I use ground turkey and low-fat cheese. I’ve also made a vegetarian version with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach instead of meat. Swapping in whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles works great too.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole also freezes beautifully—I wrap it tightly before baking or freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking it from cold.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I like short pasta shapes like penne or rotini because they hold the sauce and cheese really well.

Do I have to use pepperoni?

Not at all. I’ve used cooked sausage, ham, bacon, or even veggie toppings depending on what I have on hand.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, store-bought pizza or marinara sauce works perfectly. I sometimes doctor it up with extra garlic or Italian seasoning for more flavor.

How do I keep it from drying out?

I make sure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta well before baking and cover it with foil for the first part of baking to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Pizza Casserole is a fun, easy twist on classic pizza night that I can make with pantry staples and whatever toppings I have around. It’s warm, cheesy, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether I’m feeding a big group or just looking for a comforting dinner, this casserole is one recipe I love coming back to.

Pizza Casserole

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, meaty baked pasta dish that combines all the delicious flavors of classic pizza into a hearty, family-friendly casserole. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion (and bell pepper, if using) until soft. Add ground beef or sausage, season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
4. Stir in pizza sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Layer half into the baking dish.
6. Top with half the mozzarella and some pepperoni slices. Repeat with remaining pasta, mozzarella, pepperoni, and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

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Notes

• Add mushrooms, olives, or cooked bacon for variation.
• Use ground turkey and low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping meat with zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Store-bought pizza sauce is perfect; add extra seasoning for a flavor boost.
• Ensure pasta is well-coated in sauce to prevent drying out while baking.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg