Pizza Casserole Recipe
If you’ve ever wished your favorite slice of pepperoni pizza could get an upgrade into a bubbling, cheesy, comfort-food feast that feeds a crowd, Pizza Casserole is your new weeknight hero. This cozy dish layers saucy pasta, savory beef (or sausage), gooey mozzarella, and all your classic pizza toppings into one oven-baked creation that tastes as joyful as a Friday night pizza party. It’s a snap to pull together, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the dinner table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup for this Pizza Casserole couldn’t be easier, but each ingredient plays a star role—bringing rich flavor, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, or that punch of classic pizzeria seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth—use your favorite or a mix for extra flavor.
- Onion: Lends sweet, aromatic undertones as it softens with the meat.
- Garlic: A must for that irresistible, mouthwatering aroma every pizza-inspired dish needs.
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Brings everything together with tangy tomato richness—pick a brand you love, or homemade!
- Italian seasoning: Packs in those signature earthy, herby notes that shout “pizza night.”
- Pasta (rotini or penne): Twirls and tubes hold onto the sauce, making every bite extra flavorful.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness for that stretchy, irresistible cheese pull.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that contrasts perfectly with the melty mozzarella.
- Pepperoni: Curls and crisps on top, infusing everything with classic pizza flavor.
- Sliced black olives (optional): For an earthy, slightly briny pop—totally up to your family’s tastes.
- Chopped green bell pepper (optional): Adds color, crunch, and freshness if you want a true “supreme” vibe.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce and meat to perfection.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the casserole slides right out of the baking dish—no sticky messes here!
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so you’ll have easy serving and a breezy cleanup once your Pizza Casserole is bubbling and golden.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef (or Italian sausage) with the chopped onion. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat, until it’s nicely browned and the onion turns soft—usually 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, just until fragrant. If there’s a lot of excess grease, don’t forget to drain it off for a lighter casserole.
Step 3: Stir in Sauce and Seasonings
Pour in the jar of marinara or pizza sauce, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and season with a little salt and pepper. Mix everything well, letting the flavors meld for a couple of minutes over low heat. You’ll want that sauce to taste bold and savory—give it a little taste and adjust seasoning to your liking!
Step 4: Mix with Pasta
In a large bowl, combine your cooked, drained pasta with the meaty, tomato-rich sauce you just made. Stir until every swirl or tube of pasta is coated—that’s what ensures big flavor in every bite of your Pizza Casserole.
Step 5: Layer in the Baking Dish
Transfer the saucy pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, then artfully arrange pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers (if you’re using them) across the cheesy blanket. These toppings give your casserole its unmistakable pizza character and crave-worthy look.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Pop your casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbling all around the edges. Let your creation rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set, making it so much easier to scoop out perfect, cheesy servings.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle on a little extra chopped parsley, basil, or even crushed red pepper flakes for a fresh, colorful touch and just a hint of heat. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurt either!
Side Dishes
This hearty meal shines on its own, but it’s fabulous paired with a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky green beans, or a warm basket of garlic bread. The balance of cheesy casserole and fresh greens is always a hit with guests and family alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual potlucks, scoop individual portions into mini ramekins or muffin tins for Pizza Casserole bites everyone can grab and mingle with. Or, serve buffet-style right from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style vibe. Add labels if you’re mixing and matching toppings for different tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Casserole will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store airtight, and your future self will thank you for every quick, delicious lunch or dinner you reheat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream! Assemble the casserole and cool it completely (or just freeze leftovers), then wrap tightly or seal in a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat Pizza Casserole covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes for a full dish. Single servings can be quickly zapped in the microwave. If needed, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Any hearty, short pasta shape works—think rigatoni, ziti, farfalle, or even gluten-free options. The key is to pick a shape that will hold onto the delicious sauce and cheese.
Can I make Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the beef or sausage and load your casserole with sautéed mushrooms, extra bell peppers, spinach, or your favorite veggie pizza toppings for a meatless version everyone will love.
What are the best cheeses to use?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, but feel free to layer in provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of ricotta for an extra decadent bite. Just keep the total quantity about the same so your casserole bakes evenly.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Be sure your pasta is coated well with sauce before baking, and cover the casserole loosely with foil if you notice the top browning too quickly. Baking just until the cheese is bubbly and set (20–25 minutes) helps ensure a moist, delicious dish.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Of course! Part of the fun of Pizza Casserole is making it your own. Add sliced mushrooms, banana peppers, spinach, extra herbs, or swap in your favorite meats and cheeses. Just be careful not to overload—it should still fit in your pan!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving all the happy flavors of pizza in a meal that’s easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to satisfy a crowd, there’s nothing better than digging into a big, bubbly tray of Pizza Casserole. Bring it to your next family dinner or potluck—you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pizza Casserole recipe is a delicious twist on traditional pizza flavors, featuring savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and classic pepperoni baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic in a skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta with the meat sauce and transfer to the baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, top with pepperoni, olives, and bell pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Freezes well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
