If you have ever longed for the magic of pizza combined with the heartiness of a comforting pasta bake, then you are in for a treat with Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe. This delightful dish takes all the best flavors of your favorite pizza—savory Italian sausage, rich ground beef, tangy marinara, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni—and bakes them into a bubbling casserole that feels like a giant, warm hug on a plate. Perfectly seasoned and layered with pasta that absorbs every last bit of that luscious sauce, this recipe brings everyone to the table with eager appetites and smiles. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to become a beloved family tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe means gathering a handful of simple and essential ingredients that each play a key role. From the savory ground beef and Italian sausage that build a hearty base, to the bright marinara and melty mozzarella that tie everything together, every element works in harmony to deliver that classic pizza flavor in a fresh, new format.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty foundation that’s full of flavor and protein.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a savory, herby kick and extra depth to the meat mixture.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and texture contrast when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that’s hard to resist.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce: The saucy heart of the casserole that brings bright tomato flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the sauce with classic Italian notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle bite to complement the richness of the meat.
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta (uncooked): Shapes that trap sauce perfectly while holding a tender bite.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistibly gooey, cheesy melt that every pizza lover craves.
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni: Brings smoky, spicy pockets of meaty goodness throughout the casserole.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finishing touch on top.
- Optional toppings (sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, or mushrooms): Customize to add color, freshness, and extra flavor layers.
How to Make Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup. Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until everything is cooked through and beautifully caramelized. Breaking up the meat as it cooks ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned. Drain off any excess grease to keep things from getting greasy, then add minced garlic and cook just one more minute to release its fragrant punch. Stir in the jar of marinara along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this rich sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry all the flavors together.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your rotini or penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Boil it for two minutes less than the package instructions call for because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, soaking up all those luscious flavors without ever losing its tenderness. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot—this saves you a dish later.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Combine the cooked pasta with the savory meat sauce mixture in the pot, mixing gently but thoroughly. Then, spread half of this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a hearty first layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top, followed by half of your sliced pepperoni to give pockets of spicy goodness. Repeat this layering with the remaining pasta mixture, topping it again with mozzarella, pepperoni, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. If you want to add optional veggies like black olives, green peppers, or mushrooms, scatter them across the top now for an added fresh and colorful touch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole with foil to lock in moisture, then bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown on top. This final step creates a bubbly, irresistible crust atop the creamy, flavorful layers beneath. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let everything set and cool slightly.
How to Serve Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really bring your casserole to life. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a vibrant green pop and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a playful kick if you enjoy a little heat. For a final flourish, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and balances the meal perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are excellent accompaniments to soak up the leftover sauce on your plate. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add an extra dose of color and nutrition to your dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish to encourage sharing and cozy conversation. Alternatively, portion it out into individual ramekins for a charming personal presentation—ideal for dinner parties or meal prepping. You can even turn leftovers into a hearty lunch by reheating a slice topped with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella for an ooey-gooey treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to have any!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as comforting as the first.
Freezing
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for batch cooking. Assemble the casserole up through the baking step, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again. For best results, cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne are recommended because they hold sauce beautifully, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli work just as well. The key is choosing a shape that traps sauce for an even flavor in every bite.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for plant-based meat alternatives or extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You might also add cooked lentils for protein and texture without losing that casserole heartiness.
Can I prepare Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly and bake when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed since the casserole will be cold.
What can I add to make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes when adding the marinara sauce. You could also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
How do I make sure the casserole doesn’t get soggy?
Cooking the pasta slightly less than package instructions ensures it doesn’t overcook in the oven and become mushy. Also, draining excess grease from the cooked meat and not using more sauce than necessary help maintain the perfect balance of creamy and firm texture.
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that I’m thrilled to share, perfect for bringing friends and family together around a cozy meal. With its layers of familiar pizza flavors transformed into a satisfying pasta bake, it’s sure to become a new favorite on your recipe rotation. So grab your skillet and pasta pot, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this hearty, comforting homemade happiness tonight!
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
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Mama’s Pizza Casserole is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and pepperoni, layered with rotini pasta and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This hearty dish combines the best elements of pizza and pasta into a satisfying casserole that’s perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta, uncooked
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: sliced black olives, diced green bell pepper, or mushrooms for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook meat and aromatics. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion, stirring to break up the meat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
- Simmer the sauce. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Cook pasta. While the sauce simmers, boil the pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. This ensures it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Mix the cooked pasta thoroughly with the meat sauce until well combined.
- Layer the casserole. Spread half of the pasta and meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and half the pepperoni slices. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then distribute the remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese evenly. Add any optional toppings like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms if desired.
- Bake covered. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps all ingredients heat through and cheeses melt evenly.
- Finish baking uncovered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, creating a deliciously crusted top layer.
- Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking, making it convenient for busy schedules.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot Italian sausage.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and also freeze beautifully for future meals.
