If you love the timeless flavors of a classic pizza but crave something a little cozier and more crowd-pleasing, Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is an absolute must-make. This all-in-one bake brings together al dente pasta, hearty Italian sausage, melty cheese, and loads of zesty pepperoni for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s the kind of dish that’s hard to resist—perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you want to guarantee smiles at the dinner table. Every bite delivers a combo of familiar pizza goodness and irresistible baked pasta, all wrapped up in a meal that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Pepperoni Pizza Casserole so special is its winning lineup of simple, dependable ingredients. Each one does its part—bringing savoriness, gooeyness, and just the right touch of zest—without turning prep into a chore. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Pasta (rotini or penne): Short, ridged shapes like these grab onto all that robust sauce and gooey cheese, so every forkful is satisfyingly saucy.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat beautifully.
Ground Italian sausage or ground beef: Brings hearty flavor, savory depth, and a “meaty” bite—choose your favorite!
Onion: Diced and sautéed for a subtle sweetness that rounds out the whole casserole.
Garlic: Punches up the flavor and gives that unmistakable pizza aroma.
Italian seasoning: All those classic herbs—oregano, basil, thyme—give that instantly familiar “pizza” taste.
Salt and black pepper: The essentials for perfect seasoning; they wake up all the other flavors.
Marinara or pizza sauce: The zesty, tomato-rich backbone of your casserole; go for your favorite brand or homemade.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melty, stretchy cheese—absolutely necessary for pizza vibes.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of savory, salty kick and helps brown the top.
Sliced pepperoni: Star of the show, bringing tons of zesty, peppery flavor (plus those golden, crisp edges on top!).
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A pop of green for fresh color and a little hint of herby brightness.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish—this step ensures that glorious cheesy topping won’t stick, so serving up seconds (and thirds!) is a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just barely al dente—about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package says. The noodles will keep cooking in the oven, so this way they stay perfectly firm in the final casserole. Drain them and set aside while you work on the filling.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your sausage or ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once it’s browned and sizzling, toss in the diced onion and cook it down for 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let everything mingle for one more minute so the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Pasta

Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, and give everything a good stir to marry the robust flavors. Let this saucy mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, then take it off the heat and fold in the cooked pasta, coating every piece with all that goodness.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Spoon half the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then scatter half the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheeses, and pepperoni, building irresistible layers of flavor and cheesy, pizza-like goodness.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover your casserole with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and go for 10 minutes more—the cheese should be bubbling and just turning golden brown. A short rest (about 5 minutes) before serving helps everything set up beautifully for slicing.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole with a shower of fresh basil or parsley just before serving. The herbs add a pop of color and a cool, fresh note that brightens up all the cheesy richness. Plus, it looks as impressive as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs effortlessly with a crisp green salad—think arugula, romaine, or even a Caesar. Buttery garlic bread or simple steamed veggies are also great, making your meal balanced and truly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the piping hot casserole into individual ramekins for a personal pizza pasta bake experience, or serve it family-style on a big platter. Even better: top each portion with a fried egg or a dash of crushed red pepper for grown-up flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Pepperoni Pizza Casserole? Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a dream for leftovers and lunchbox transformations.

Freezing

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole freezes like a champ. Chill leftovers completely, then wrap portions in foil and stash inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions into a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but baking helps keep the top deliciously melty and edges slightly crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage or beef and load up the sauce with extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You’ll still get all that pizza-like flavor and gooey cheese without the meat.

What’s the best pasta to use for this casserole?

Rotini and penne are great choices because their nooks hold the sauce and cheese, but any short pasta—rigatoni, fusilli, or even elbows—works in a pinch. Just don’t overcook before baking!

Is it possible to assemble the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble Pepperoni Pizza Casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How can I make it less spicy for kids?

Opt for mild Italian sausage and regular pepperoni, or even use turkey or chicken versions if you like. Skipping the black pepper or using sweet bell peppers instead of spicy ones makes the casserole very kid-friendly.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Definitely! Just bake in two pans or use an extra-large baking dish. It’s a proven crowd-pleaser and can easily be scaled up to feed everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re craving big pizza flavors with all the comfort of a hearty pasta bake, give Pepperoni Pizza Casserole a go. It’s warm, satisfying, and practically guarantees happy faces around your table. You might just find it becoming the most-requested cozy dinner in your household!

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delightful twist on classic pizza flavors baked into a comforting casserole. It’s a cheesy, savory dish perfect for satisfying those pizza cravings in a new way.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)

Meat Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Toppings:

3 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook pasta until al dente, then set aside.
Cook Meat Mixture: Brown sausage or beef in a skillet with olive oil. Add onion, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in sauce and simmer. Combine with cooked pasta.
Assemble and Bake: Layer half of the pasta mixture, cheeses, and pepperoni in the dish. Repeat layering. Bake covered, then uncovered, until cheese is bubbly and golden.