Pizza Casserole Recipe
If there’s one dish that delivers both ultimate comfort and nostalgic pizza-night magic, it’s Pizza Casserole. Imagine all the best flavors of your favorite slice—gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, tangy sauce—tangled up with hearty pasta in a bubbly, golden bake. This recipe is a lightning-fast solution that speaks to both picky kids and hungry adults, perfect for a chaos-free weeknight or a crowd-pleasing potluck. From the first cheesy forkful, you’ll see why this warm, melty casserole has a permanent place in my family’s dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to turn this casserole into a winning meal. Each element brings something different to the table: from that familiar pizza flavor to comforting textures and a dash of color that makes the dish pop in the oven.
- Uncooked rotini or penne pasta (12 oz): Opt for a sturdy pasta shape—these hold up beautifully and soak up all the meaty sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the onions a buttery base and helps anchor the flavors in the pan.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds hearty, savory depth—choose sausage for an extra kick!
- Small onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, onions infuse mellow warmth into every bite.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Because every classic pizza deserves a garlicky punch.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (24 oz jar): Choose your favorite for the backbone of that signature flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend brings all the classic herbs that say “pizza.”
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle, grown-up heat—add as much or as little as you dare.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Melty, classic, and essential for that stretchy cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty bite that perks up all the flavors.
- Sliced pepperoni (1 cup): Provides that unmistakable pizza zing—and crisp edges on top!
- Sliced black olives (½ cup, optional): A salty, briny pop to contrast the cheeses (totally skippable if olives aren’t your thing).
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Green finishes the dish, making it as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to work its magic. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing; this ensures nothing sticks and makes serving (and cleaning up) a total breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your rotini or penne in a large pot of salty water just until al dente. The pasta will continue to soften in the oven, so don’t overcook it at this stage. Once done, drain and set aside—it’s about to make friends with that rich sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium. Add your diced onion and let it cook until soft and translucent, about three minutes. That onion base is where all the deep flavors start. Toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir—just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart as you go. Cook until nicely browned and fully cooked through. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease—no one likes a greasy Pizza Casserole!
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and if you’re in the mood, shake in those red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for three to five minutes; everything should be saucy, flavorful, and smelling just like your favorite pizzeria.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Stir the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your meat sauce. Mix it all up so each twist of pasta is coated in robust, tangy goodness. This is where the casserole magic starts coming together!
Step 7: Layer for Flavor
Pour half of your pasta-meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top that with half the mozzarella and Parmesan for irresistible cheesiness in every layer. Repeat with the rest of your pasta mixture, then scatter the remaining cheeses on top. Finish with an even layer of pepperoni slices and black olives if you like them.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the whole thing into your hot oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. When it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is enticingly melted with golden spots, you know it’s ready. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving—it’ll make slicing much easier and keep everyone from burning their mouths!
How to Serve Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
The final touch is a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. That burst of green looks stunning against the cheesy top and adds a fresh, herby note. If you want to go all out, you can also shower a bit more Parmesan over each serving for a salty sparkle.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a bowl of simple steamed green beans balances out the richness. Garlic bread or breadsticks are almost mandatory for sopping up any last bits of sauce—you’re recreating pizza night, after all!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Pizza Casserole up a notch by baking and serving it in individual ramekins for personal-sized fun. Or get playful by topping with a few extra dollops of ricotta before baking for creamy pockets throughout. You can switch up the pepperoni for mini mozzarella balls or add roasted veggies for colorful flair—there are endless ways to make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, making your next-day lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
Pizza Casserole freezes like a dream! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before baking, then add extra cheese on top just before popping in the oven straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered in a 350°F oven until hot all the way through (about 25 minutes). Individual portions can be microwaved in short bursts—just add a splash of water or sauce to keep things from drying out, and you’ll get all that fresh-from-the-oven taste again.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground meat and bulk up the filling with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or any other favorite vegetables. The casserole is every bit as satisfying and bursting with flavor.
What pasta shapes work best in Pizza Casserole?
Rotini and penne are top picks because their twists and tubes trap all the meaty sauce and melted cheese. However, ziti, rigatoni, or even elbows will work great in a pinch—just avoid really delicate shapes that might turn mushy.
How can I make Pizza Casserole spicier?
To kick up the heat, use spicy Italian sausage, double up on the red pepper flakes, and consider adding sliced jalapeños to the topping. A drizzle of hot sauce after baking will wake this casserole right up!
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It’s ideal for meal prep! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate unbaked for up to two days, or freeze before baking. Just add a bit more baking time straight from the fridge, and you’ll have an easy meal ready whenever you need it.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely. Mozzarella and Parmesan keep it classic, but feel free to add provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for extra richness and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a bit of smoked gouda or spicy pepper jack can totally change the vibe.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dinner that brings all the joy of pizza night with none of the fuss, Pizza Casserole is the warm, cheesy answer. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own—after all, the best dishes are those shared with friends and family around the table!
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Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, this Pizza Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It combines all the classic pizza flavors in a convenient casserole form, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic, then meat, cooking until browned. Stir in sauce, seasoning, and pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce. Layer half in baking dish, top with half of cheeses. Add remaining pasta, cheeses, pepperoni, and olives.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Customize with favorite toppings like mushrooms, green peppers, or cooked bacon.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
