Why You’ll Love Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe
It combines two comfort food favorites—pizza and pasta—into one satisfying meal.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare using simple, everyday ingredients.
It’s perfect for make-ahead meals and freezer storage.
It feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
It’s completely customizable, just like your favorite pizza.
Leftovers reheat beautifully for quick lunches the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce or pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the marinara or pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well to coat evenly.
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Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.
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Add the remaining pasta mixture on top. Finish with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the rest of the pepperoni. Add optional toppings like bell peppers or olives if desired.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 to 35 minutes
Total time: About 55 minutes
Freezer instructions: Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blended Italian cheese mix.
Stir in cooked bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
Reheating from refrigerator: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or reheat larger portions covered in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through. If baking directly from frozen, allow extra time and keep covered until the center is hot.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes, assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking for best results.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti work best because they hold the sauce and toppings well.
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, pizza sauce works perfectly and enhances the classic pizza flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure the pasta is well coated with sauce and keep the dish covered during the first part of baking.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, onions, zucchini, or even spinach make great additions.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cheese should be fully melted and bubbly, and the center should be hot all the way through.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two separate pans.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar pizza flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, although freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly, pre-shredded cheese works just fine.
Conclusion
This easy pizza casserole is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. With simple ingredients, flexible variations, and freezer-friendly options, it’s a dependable recipe that belongs in every busy home cook’s collection. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or reheating leftovers the next day, it delivers classic pizza flavor in every hearty bite.
