If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of pizza in a cozy, family-friendly dish, then you will absolutely love this dish! Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe is a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, savory pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and all your favorite toppings baked to bubbly perfection. This casserole brings together the best parts of a classic pizza and a hearty pasta bake into one irresistible meal that feels like a big, delicious hug from home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From tender pasta to zesty sauce and melty cheese, every component is essential to making Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe sing.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base with hearty protein that keeps everyone satisfied.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely aromatic touch when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a punch of savory depth that’s classic in Italian cooking.
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara: The key to that signature tangy and herby tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out the traditional pizza taste with oregano, basil, and thyme notes.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a little heat in their dinner.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold sauce perfectly, offering a satisfying bite every time.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible, gooey, cheesy layer everyone adores.
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni: Brings classic pizza spice and texture into this comforting bake.
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional): Adds a briny pop that complements the richness of the sauce and meat.
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional): Offers freshness and a slight crunch, brightening up every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning to perfection.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta (penne or rotini) according to the package instructions until just al dente. This slightly firm texture means the pasta won’t get mushy after baking. Drain well and set it aside while you work on the flavorful sauce component.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step creates a deliciously fragrant base, but be sure to drain any excess fat so your casserole is rich without being greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
To the skillet with the beef mixture, add your jar of pizza sauce or marinara. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and if you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it all simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together beautifully, creating the heart of Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until everything is evenly coated. This combination makes sure every bite is loaded with that classic pizza flavor, turning simple pasta into something extraordinary.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the dish. Then add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, olives, and green bell peppers on top. Repeat layering with the remaining pasta and toppings. This layering packs in flavor and makes sure you get cheesy, meaty bites in every forkful.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden around the edges. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps everything set and makes it easier to cut perfect servings.
How to Serve Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe from hearty to spectacular. Try sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a subtle richness that pairs wonderfully with the melted cheese and savory meat sauce.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling and flavorful on its own, but you can create a balanced meal by serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks always complement the pizza theme brilliantly and help soak up any extra sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your dinner feel extra special, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a charming twist on family-style dining. Another fun idea is to sprinkle some extra shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top just before the final few minutes of baking for that fresh-out-of-the-oven golden crust look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making for an incredibly tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish as usual and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier top, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great because they hold sauce well, but you can swap in ziti, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni based on what you have or prefer.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and pepperoni, and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Can I prepare Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake it fresh when ready. This makes dinner prep super convenient for busy nights.
How spicy is this casserole?
The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. Leaving them out makes for a milder family-friendly dish.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
Mozzarella is key for that melty, stretchy texture, but if you’d like to switch it up, provolone or a mild cheddar also work nicely. Just keep in mind the flavor and meltiness might change slightly.
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy in every cheesy, meaty bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want that homemade pizza feeling without the fuss of making crust from scratch. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to family favorites just like it is in mine. So, grab your skillet and pasta pot, and get ready to dive into this delicious, cozy casserole!
Print
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Mama’s Pizza Casserole combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a comforting baked pasta dish. Ground beef, mozzarella, pepperoni, and a savory tomato sauce layered with pasta make for an irresistible family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Toppings
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion soft, about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the dish. Layer half of the shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, black olives, and green bell pepper over the pasta. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta mixture and toppings.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can customize your pizza casserole by adding other favorite pizza toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, or banana peppers.
- This casserole freezes well and makes excellent leftovers, perfect for busy days.
