Imagine your favorite cheesy slice of pizza, layered with all the classic toppings and bubbling with flavor, transformed into an easy, comforting weeknight dinner – that’s Pizza Casserole in a nutshell! This family-friendly bake combines al dente pasta, savory meat, zesty sauce, melty cheese, and all your best-loved pizza fixings into one irresistible dish. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing with friends or feeding hungry kids, and you’ll soon find it’s the recipe everyone asks for after just one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, Pizza Casserole delivers bold, nostalgic flavors and plenty of oozy cheese in every bite. Each component is chosen for its role in bringing the ultimate pizzeria vibe right to your dinner table.
- Pasta: Rotini or penne offers nooks and crevices for all that savory sauce and gooey cheese – don’t overcook so it stays perfectly firm after baking.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For hearty, classic pizza flavor, use your favorite or mix both for a combination that brings extra depth.
- Chopped Onion: A dash of sweetness and aroma that elevates the savory base of the casserole.
- Garlic: Just two cloves boost flavor, echoing the irresistible bouquet of freshly baked pizza.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce: A rich, tomatoey sauce is the soul of this dish; choose a robust one with spices or add a splash of your own favorite blend.
- Italian Seasoning: A pinch ties everything together and infuses the casserole with classic herbaceous notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick – these can easily be left out or increased.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stringy, and absolutely essential for that pizza-like pull in every scoop.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness to balance the creaminess of mozzarella.
- Mini Pepperoni Slices (plus extra for topping): The iconic pizza topping that delivers bold hits of spiced, smoky flavor throughout.
- Chopped Green Bell Pepper (optional): A pop of color and freshness that really makes this feel like pizza baked in a new way.
- Olive Oil for Greasing: Helps the casserole lift cleanly from the pan for perfect squares and easy cleanup.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready by the time you assemble your Pizza Casserole masterpiece. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil, then cook your rotini or penne pasta just until al dente—a minute or so less than the package says ensures the noodles hold up when baked. Drain, shake off the extra water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sizzle the Meat and Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium and add your ground beef or sausage along with the chopped onion. Sauté while breaking up the meat, letting the onion become soft and translucent. When there’s no pink left in the meat, add in your minced garlic for another minute—this unlocks all those fragrant pizza aromas. If there’s extra fat, drain it off to keep your casserole rich, not greasy.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Sing
Pour in your jar of marinara or pizza sauce, followed by Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Let it simmer together for a few minutes, which blends the flavors and thickens the sauce, making every bite taste like it came straight out of a pizzeria oven.
Step 4: Mix, Layer, and Cheese Up!
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained pasta, the meaty sauce, half the mozzarella and Parmesan, most of the mini pepperoni, and the green bell pepper if you’re using it. Stir to get everything evenly distributed, then scoop it into your prepared casserole dish. Generously sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and don’t be shy with a few more pepperoni slices—the more, the merrier!
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbling Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, edges are bubbly, and the aroma tells everyone dinner is ready. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking; this small wait makes it easier to slice and ensures you won’t burn your tongue on molten cheese.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Bring a restaurant-worthy touch by sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley on top right before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes or even a swirl of good olive oil can add color, heat, and a pop of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, bubbly cheese.
Side Dishes
Pizza Casserole is hearty all on its own, but it pairs so well with a simple green salad, garlicky roasted broccoli, or some crisp, buttery garlic bread. The freshness and crunch round out the meal while the casserole remains the showstopper.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, spoon portions into individual ramekins for a personal touch, or serve “family-style” directly from the bubbling casserole dish at the table. For extra fun, offer little bowls of pizza-inspired toppings on the side—chopped olives, sliced fresh cherry tomatoes, or even drizzles of hot honey let everyone customize their own slice of pizza casserole heaven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cool the Pizza Casserole to room temperature, then scrape into an airtight container or cover the casserole pan tightly with foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Pizza Casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble and bake as directed, let cool completely, then wrap securely with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this prevents the pasta from drying out or overcooking.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake covered with foil at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes (if reheating a whole casserole) or microwave individual servings until hot. You can sprinkle a handful of fresh cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Short, sturdy shapes like ziti, fusilli, or even macaroni all work well, just try to stick with varieties that hold sauce and don’t get mushy after baking.
How can I make Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Simply leave out the meat and ramp up the veggies—think mushrooms, olives, spinach, or cooked eggplant. You’ll still get all the pizza vibes, minus the meat.
What’s the best way to add more vegetables?
Dice and sauté veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, then stir them in with the pasta and sauce before baking. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition without losing that “pizza” appeal.
Can I prep Pizza Casserole in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the whole dish and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?
You bet! Use two casserole dishes or a large roasting pan, and follow the same instructions—just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, so everything holds up to the longer bake. It’s perfect for potlucks and big family gatherings!
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly satisfying about pulling a bubbling, golden Pizza Casserole from the oven and sharing it with people you love. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting a laid-back get-together, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite comfort food—give it a try, and fall in love with pizza in a whole new way!
Print
Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, this Pizza Casserole is a delightful baked pasta dish loaded with savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty tomato sauce. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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)
- olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the casserole dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Cook the ground beef or sausage with onion, garlic, and seasonings. Add the marinara/pizza sauce and simmer.
- Combine ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta, meat sauce, cheeses, pepperoni, and bell pepper in a bowl.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and pepperoni, then bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest 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.
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