If you’re craving a dish that packs in all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizzeria pie and wraps it in the heartwarming comfort of a baked pasta, Pizza Casserole is about to be your weeknight hero. Imagine bites of tender pasta, flavorful meat, gooey cheese, and those classic pizza seasonings, all bubbling together in one crowd-pleasing bake—no delivery required! This is the kind of meal that draws everyone to the table, making it a family dinner star you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pizza Casserole calls for a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a starring role. Don’t skip the basics! They work together to deliver that beloved pizza flavor while keeping things cozy and satisfying.
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne): The nooks and curves capture all the saucy goodness, making each bite extra flavorful.
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage: Adds savory richness and hearty texture; choose your favorite for your ideal flavor profile.
- 2 cups pizza sauce: The backbone of that classic pizza vibe—go bold with a garlicky, herby sauce for maximum impact.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Melty, stretchy, and oh so satisfying, mozzarella cheese is the glue that holds this casserole together.
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni: Salty, spicy rounds that get crispy on top—a true pizza must-have!
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning: A simple way to add depth and that unmistakable “pizza” aroma to your casserole.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or penne until just al dente. Drain well—the slightly firm texture will hold up beautifully in the oven without turning mushy later on.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Break it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, allowing it to get golden and aromatic. Once cooked through, drain off any excess fat for a lighter casserole.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Add the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning directly to your browned meat. Stir it well so every morsel is coated in that tangy, herby flavor. Simmer just long enough for the sauce to warm through and the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Mix and Transfer
Combine your drained pasta with the savory meat sauce. Stir until the noodles are coated and flecked with meaty, saucy goodness. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for even cheese melting later.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni
Scatter a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella over the casserole, then nestle in the pepperoni slices artfully over the top. This step transforms the pasta bake into a true Pizza Casserole, giving you that unmistakable pizza look and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide your casserole into a 375 °F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling at the edges. The pepperoni will begin to crisp, and the kitchen will smell like a pizzeria—time to dig in!
How to Serve Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Brighten up your Pizza Casserole just before serving with a sprinkling of chopped fresh basil or parsley. A quick dusting of grated Parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch of color and a kick of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a zippy vinaigrette helps balance all the cheesy richness. Warm garlic bread or breadsticks are also excellent choices—they’re perfect for scooping up any flavorful sauce left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
Create a playful, customizable “pizza bar” by offering bowls of extra toppings like black olives, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers at the table so everyone can finish off their own slice of casserole. Or, try baking individual servings in ramekins for a personal, restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the cooled Pizza Casserole with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors just keep getting better as they meld in the fridge!
Freezing
Pizza Casserole freezes beautifully, especially if you assemble it up to the baking step. Wrap the unbaked dish tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Ready-to-bake dinners are always a win on busy nights.
Reheating
For best results, reheat refrigerated slices in the oven at 350 °F until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts until hot. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef or sausage for a plant-based meat alternative, or simply load up with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a meatless twist.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Rotini and penne are both excellent—anything with ridges or tubes helps catch the sauce and cheese. Fusilli or rigatoni also work well if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I add more toppings, just like on a real pizza?
Definitely! Add black olives, onions, diced bell peppers, or sliced jalapenos. Just remember to keep toppings relatively small so they meld well into the casserole and bake evenly.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat in your Pizza Casserole, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage. You can also layer spicy pepperoni or sliced banana peppers on top for an extra pop.
What’s the best way to keep it from drying out?
Make sure your pasta is just barely undercooked before baking, and don’t skimp on the sauce. Covering the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking can also help keep everything moist, then remove the foil to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, customizable, and always a winner at the dinner table, Pizza Casserole is about to be your new go-to recipe. Gather your ingredients, bring everyone together, and tap into that melty, saucy magic—give Pizza Casserole a try and enjoy a slice of pure comfort, any night of the week!
Print
Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
All the flavors of a pepperoni pizza baked into a cozy pasta casserole — cheesy, saucy, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: Brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet, then stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Pasta and Meat: Mix the cooked pasta with the meat mixture, then pour into a baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Top with shredded mozzarella and sliced pepperoni.
- Bake: Bake at 375 °F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Add olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra toppings.
- Freezes well before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Casserole / Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
