Name: Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni); 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce; 1 cup pepperoni slices; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup sliced black olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms (optional toppings); 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Pizza Casserole because it’s a fun and customizable twist on traditional pizza. It’s easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and can be prepared ahead of time. With layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and toppings baked to bubbly perfection, every bite is full of rich, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
Pepperoni slices
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Sliced black olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms (optional toppings)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in a large bowl, tossing until coated.
Pour half the pasta mixture into the baking dish, top with a layer of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
Add the remaining pasta and finish with another layer of cheese and toppings (pepperoni, olives, peppers, mushrooms, etc.).
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes 25 minutes, for a total of 40 minutes.

Variations

Supreme Style: Add mushrooms, onions, olives, and bell peppers.
Meat Lover’s Version: Mix in sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ham.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up on veggies.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti works well.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely—it’s a great shortcut and adds plenty of flavor.

What meats work best?

Ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, or a combination of all three taste amazing.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce and toppings are gluten-free.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Be sure to use enough sauce and cover with foil if needed while baking.

Can I use leftover pizza toppings?

Yes, this is a great way to use up leftover meats and vegetables.

Can I add cheese inside the casserole?

Yes, mix cheese into the pasta layers for an extra gooey texture.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

What can I serve with Pizza Casserole?

It pairs perfectly with a green salad and garlic bread.

Conclusion

Pizza Casserole brings all the beloved flavors of pizza into a cheesy, comforting baked pasta dish. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to meal for families and gatherings. Whether you’re craving classic pepperoni or a veggie-packed version, this casserole delivers the taste of pizza night with a cozy twist.

Pizza Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, hearty baked pasta dish that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza—sauce, cheese, meat, and toppings—in one comforting casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s easy, customizable, and always a crowd favorite.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned and drain excess fat.
Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta and meat sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Spread half the pasta mixture in the baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
Add the remaining pasta, top with more cheese and desired toppings (pepperoni, olives, peppers, mushrooms, etc.).
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Use your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized flavor.
For extra gooey texture, mix some cheese into the pasta layers.
Cover with foil if the top starts browning too quickly.
This casserole freezes and reheats beautifully for easy meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 890 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg