If you’re craving all the bubbly, cheesy joy of pizza but want something heartier that feeds a crowd, Pizza Casserole is your new weeknight hero! This comfort food classic has everything we love about traditional pizza—gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and savory toppings—combined with a cozy pasta bake to make every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck treat, or meal prepping for the week, Pizza Casserole brings big pizzeria flavor to your table with nearly zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple it is to make something so satisfying. Every ingredient in this Pizza Casserole is chosen for maximum flavor and crave-worthy texture, from tender pasta to melty cheese and a rich, meaty sauce. Here’s what you’ll need (and a few pro tips along the way!):
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and heartiness to the base. Choose sausage for a bit more spice, or beef for a classic taste.
- Onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and aroma that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves are all it takes to bring out real pizzeria flavor—don’t skip this!
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Go with your favorite jarred brand for convenience, or homemade if you want to make it extra special.
- Dried oregano and dried basil: These herbs give the casserole its unmistakable Italian flair, boosting aroma and taste.
- Rotini or penne pasta (uncooked): The pasta swirls or tubes soak up all the saucy goodness and create those irresistible forkfuls.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that beautiful, cheesy pull on every slice—don’t be shy with the cheese!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty edge that’s classic in pasta bakes and pizza alike.
- Sliced pepperoni: Delivers that signature pepperoni punch. Save extra slices for decorating the top.
- Olive oil (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds a whisper of flavor in every corner.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of olive oil to ensure your Pizza Casserole comes out easily and holds that beautiful baked edge. This little touch sets you up for casserole success!
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion. Brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks, until everything is deeply caramelized and aromatic. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—a minute is all it takes to unlock that classic pizza aroma.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, then sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. Stir everything together, reduce the heat and let it all simmer for about 5 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld, turning a simple sauce into a crave-worthy pizza-inspired base.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, prepare your rotini or penne according to the package instructions, but make sure to keep it just al dente. You want the pasta to soak up some of that glorious sauce in the oven without turning mushy. Drain it well and have it ready to go!
Step 5: Mix and Assemble
Add the drained pasta to your skillet of meat sauce, then stir in half the mozzarella, all the Parmesan, and the sliced pepperoni. Mix thoroughly so every bite gets laced with cheese and pepperoni. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella and decorate with extra pepperoni slices for that classic pizza look.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until it’s bubbling at the edges and the cheese has melted into golden, gooey perfection. When it’s done, let it rest for at least 5 minutes—this makes it much easier to slice and serve without losing all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
After baking, add a pop of flavor and color with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan never hurts. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can wake things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pizza Casserole is plenty hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad (especially with pepperoncini and olives) is the perfect way to balance out all that cheesy richness. Garlic bread is a no-brainer for dipping, and roasted vegetables make a wholesome, colorful pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your casserole a playful twist by baking and serving it in individual ramekins—kids particularly love personal-sized portions. For parties, spoon hearty scoops into bowls and offer extra cheese toppings or “pizza bar” fixings so everyone can customize their slice. Leftovers are fantastic layered into wraps or stuffed into baked potatoes for a fun lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pizza Casserole makes fantastic leftovers! Once cooled, transfer any uneaten casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, maintaining both texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. For best results, freeze before adding the final cheese topping—just sprinkle it on right before baking.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat leftover Pizza Casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly—usually about 20 minutes. Individual portions can also go in the microwave for quick weeknight lunches or dinners.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the meat for a plant-based sausage or simply load up your casserole with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and spinach for loads of veggie flavor with all the comfort.
What other cheeses can I use?
While mozzarella is classic, don’t be afraid to blend in provolone, cheddar, or even smoky gouda for a unique twist. Use whatever brings you that gooey, melty satisfaction!
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and make sure your pasta is cooked just to al dente before assembling. Adding a bit of extra sauce if things seem dry before baking can also help keep it perfectly moist.
Can I assemble this Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the whole dish up to a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add five extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s warmed through.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Easily—simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free, too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for big pizza flavor in a fun, family-size form, Pizza Casserole is about to become your new dinnertime staple. It’s cozy, customizable, and totally irresistible—so gather your ingredients and make tonight an epic, cheesy pasta bake adventure. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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
This Pizza Casserole combines all the flavors of a traditional pizza in an easy-to-make, comforting casserole dish. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Other Ingredients:
- 8 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, plus extra for topping
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the meat sauce: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with onion until browned. Add garlic, sauce, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then add to the meat sauce with 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and pepperoni. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- Use turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
