If you’ve ever been torn between ordering pizza or digging into a hearty baked pasta, this Pizza Pasta Casserole is here to save your supper. Imagine perfectly cooked noodles cloaked in rich marinara, mingling with savory ground beef (or sausage), gooey mozzarella, and melty Parmesan, all crowned with those classic slices of pepperoni. It’s comfort food at its peak, bringing the very best pizza and pasta flavors together in one bubbling, golden-baked dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a new weeknight staple, or just craving something irresistibly cheesy, this Pizza Pasta Casserole is destined to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a great Pizza Pasta Casserole lies in its straightforward, familiar ingredients. Each one serves a delicious purpose, building layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible appeal. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make every bite sing:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and adds that subtle Italian richness.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Delivers a hearty, savory base—choose sausage for spice or beef for classic flavor.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth—fresh garlic makes a difference here.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce: Use your favorite brand for that signature saucy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly evokes pizza night memories.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that luscious, stretchy cheese factor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the casserole with a savory, nutty punch.
- 20–25 slices pepperoni: Classic pizza flair on top—try mini or turkey pepperoni for your own twist.
- Optional toppings (black olives, green bell peppers, mushrooms, red pepper flakes): Pile on your favorites for color, flavor, and crunch.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepping your bakeware ahead ensures nothing sticks and your Pizza Pasta Casserole lifts out in picture-perfect slices.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook until just al dente—the noodles will soften more in the oven, so don’t overcook. Drain the pasta and set aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Meat and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Toss in the diced onion and let it sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its wonderful aroma.
Step 4: Make the Pizza Sauce
To your skillet, pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes. This step helps meld all those pizza-inspired flavors and ensures the meat is juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the cooked pasta into a large bowl (or right into the pot if you like fewer dishes) and add the saucy meat mixture. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is enveloped in sauce—this is where the magic begins!
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
Spoon half of the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create that signature cheesy layer. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese for extra gooey goodness.
Step 7: Top with Pepperoni and Extras
Arrange pepperoni slices over the top for that classic pizza look. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on black olives, green bell peppers, mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and flair. This is your Pizza Pasta Casserole canvas—decorate away!
Step 8: Bake to Deliciousness
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes to get everything nice and hot. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before digging in, so the layers set and serving is a breeze.
How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole
Garnishes
A fresh shower of chopped parsley or basil across the top gives your Pizza Pasta Casserole a pop of color and a hint of herby brightness. For those craving zest, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes is always welcome. Serve straight from the casserole dish or slice into generous portions and transfer to plates.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a bright green salad tossed in tangy Italian dressing or lightly dressed arugula for a fresh counterpoint. Garlic bread or focaccia makes a crave-worthy companion—perfect for mopping up the extra sauce and cheese. A bowl of roasted vegetables also rounds out the meal nicely if you’re after something lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the Pizza Pasta Casserole into individual ramekins for dinner parties or pack it in thermos containers for picnic lunches. For a more rustic feel, serve straight from the baking dish at the table, letting everyone help themselves to their favorite toppings. You can even top each portion with a fried or poached egg for a decadent brunch twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Pizza Pasta Casserole reheats beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for quick lunches or next-day dinners. It also packs well for school or work, so don’t be shy about making extra!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, assemble the Pizza Pasta Casserole right up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and serving as usual. You can also freeze individual portions for a single-serve, homemade meal.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 20 minutes if reheating a full dish or 5–10 minutes for individual portions. For an ultra-convenient option, microwaving works too; just be sure to cover the pasta so it stays moist and heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for Pizza Pasta Casserole?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are classic choices because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use ziti, fusilli, or any short, sturdy pasta you enjoy. Just aim for al dente to keep the texture spot-on.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
Swap the ground meat for crumbled plant-based sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or even a medley of roasted veggies. The cheeses and sauce provide plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss the meat at all!
Can I prepare Pizza Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What other toppings can I add?
Get creative—think bell peppers, onions, olives, spinach, extra cheese, or even pineapple if you’re a fan. This is the perfect way to use up any leftover veggies or favorite pizza toppings you have in the fridge.
Is it possible to make Pizza Pasta Casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sauce and pepperoni are also gluten-free. The rest of the recipe will work exactly the same!
Final Thoughts
Pizza Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, winning hearts with its bold flavors and melty, cheesy goodness. It’s easy to put together, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to serve up a bubbling pan of joy—this recipe is one you’ll want to revisit again and again!
Print
Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the flavors of pizza with the heartiness of a pasta bake. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small 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
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- Optional toppings: black olives, green bell peppers, mushrooms, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: Brown meat, onion, and garlic. Add marinara sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss cooked pasta with meat sauce. Layer half in the dish, top with cheeses, remaining pasta, cheeses, pepperoni, and optional toppings.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use mini pepperoni for better coverage or turkey pepperoni for a lighter version.
- You can prepare this casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Great for freezing—just assemble, cover, and freeze before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
