Pizza Casserole Recipe: Pizza casserole is the perfect marriage between your two favorite comfort foods—pizza and pasta. It’s a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying one-dish meal that captures the bold, savory flavors of pizza, layered with noodles, meat, sauce, and a thick blanket of melty cheese. Think of it as lasagna’s fun, relaxed cousin with a pepperoni twist. It’s easy to whip up, feeds a crowd, and is endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week, pizza casserole is a go-to winner. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and just plain delicious. You can tweak the ingredients to match your favorite pizza toppings—from sausage and pepperoni to mushrooms and bell peppers. Plus, it freezes like a dream, so leftovers are never a problem.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic, classic version of pizza casserole:
- 12 oz uncooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
These simple ingredients create a bold flavor base, just like your favorite pizza slice. The pasta makes it more filling and transforms it into a complete casserole dish.
Optional Add-ons and Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are some ideas:
- Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach.
- Protein: Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
- Cheese: Use cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend for extra gooeyness.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños.
With just a few tweaks, you can turn this basic recipe into a personalized comfort food masterpiece.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Essential Tools for Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the job easier:
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet (for browning meat and sautéing vegetables)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
- Cheese grater
- Oven mitts
Having everything ready and within reach streamlines the cooking process and keeps your kitchen chaos-free.
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it enough time to reach the perfect temperature while you’re prepping the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. You want it slightly undercooked since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat and Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Step 4: Layering the Casserole
Time to build! In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish.
Next, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top and spread it out. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then layer the pepperoni slices. Finish with the rest of the cheese for that golden, bubbly topping.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like crispy edges, leave it uncovered. For a gooier top, cover loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover.
Let it cool slightly before serving—this gives the cheese a chance to set and makes for easier slicing.
Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
Creating a delicious pizza casserole isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. With a few tips and tricks, you can elevate this dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Undercook Your Pasta Slightly: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, undercooking it just a bit keeps it from turning mushy.
- Drain the Meat Well: Nobody wants a greasy casserole. After browning the meat, make sure to drain off any excess fat for a cleaner taste and texture.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Think of the layering process as building flavor. Pasta goes first for a hearty base, followed by rich sauce, melty cheese, and toppings. This layering ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
- Cheese Mix: While mozzarella is a must for that classic stretchy cheese pull, consider mixing in a bit of provolone, cheddar, or even fontina for depth.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes serving cleaner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about pizza casserole? It makes fantastic leftovers.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with foil or place in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes. If reheating a larger portion, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–500 |
| Protein | 25g–30g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g–45g |
| Fat | 20g–25g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g–10g |
| Fiber | 3g–5g |
| Sugar | 5g–7g |
| Sodium | 700mg–900mg |
Note: Nutritional values vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices. You can use a nutrition calculator for precise tracking if needed.
FAQs about Pizza Casserole Recipe
Can I make pizza casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I freeze pizza casserole?
Absolutely. You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
Short, sturdy pasta like rotini, penne, or rigatoni work best. They hold the sauce and cheese well and maintain their shape during baking.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the meat for vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Use a plant-based meat substitute if you still want that meaty texture.
What toppings can I add?
Get creative! Try sliced black olives, jalapeños, cooked bacon bits, fresh basil, or even pineapple if that’s your thing. Treat it like a pizza and go wild with your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
Pizza casserole is everything you love about pizza, baked into a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With rich tomato sauce, savory meats, perfectly cooked pasta, and layers of gooey cheese, this casserole is bound to become a household favorite.
So next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, ditch the delivery and bake up a big pan of pizza casserole. You’ll have a meal that’s not only incredibly tasty but also comforting in every cheesy, saucy bite.
