If you love the irresistible flavors of pizza but want a cozy, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe is here to steal your heart. Imagine all your favorite pizza toppings melted into cheesy pasta layers, baked to bubbly perfection – every bite bursts with savory goodness, from the zesty marinara sauce to the spicy pepperoni and gooey mozzarella. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s both comforting and wildly satisfying, turning simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that’s just too delicious to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a spectacular dish. Each component brings something special, whether it’s the hearty bite of penne pasta or the melty richness of mozzarella cheese, adding layers of flavor and texture to your Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold sauce beautifully and add a fun, chewy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat flavors perfectly.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Gives the casserole a savory, meaty backbone packed with robust taste.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic base that blends seamlessly with the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that signature punch of Italian flavor everyone loves.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce: The saucy heart of the dish, packed with herbs and rich tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to enhance the Italian vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice for depth.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey, cheesy layer that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top.
- 20–25 slices pepperoni: Optional but highly recommended for that authentic pizza flair and a spicy kick.
- Optional toppings (black olives, green bell peppers, mushrooms, red pepper flakes): Customize your casserole to your taste and add a burst of color.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and cook the pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your chosen pasta. Cook it until it’s just al dente — firm to the bite but not crunchy — because you’ll be baking it further later. Drain and set aside so it’s ready to mingle with the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the meat and build flavor
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat and toss in your ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it until beautifully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the diced onion to soften and sweeten the meat mixture, cooking for roughly 3 more minutes. Stir in minced garlic and let its aroma fill the kitchen by cooking it just one minute.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let the flavors blend for about 5 minutes. This simple sauce turns the whole dish into an irresistibly savory treasure.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole layers
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the rich meat sauce until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. Spoon half of this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta layer, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top. Finally, cover it all with the rest of the cheeses. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on the surface and sprinkle on your optional toppings if you like to kick it up a notch.
Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into your oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes to get that glorious golden-brown cheese crust bubbling and irresistible. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving — this makes the cheese set slightly, so it’s easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that complement the rich, cheesy layers. If you like a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes on top brings a tantalizing touch without overwhelming the dish.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also provide a refreshing balance to the cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming dinner presentation, or layer it in a deep-dish pie plate for a rustic look. You can also sprinkle colorful, finely chopped veggies on top before baking to make each serving a visual and flavorful delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, so it stays moist and flavors stay fresh. Leftovers taste even better the next day when flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
You can prepare the entire recipe, cover it well with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. This makes it an easy, stress-free meal to pull out on busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep the pasta from drying out, about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions until heated through, but the oven method will keep that signature cheesy crust just right.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in this Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini work best because they hold sauce well, but feel free to experiment with rigatoni, elbow macaroni, or even small shells. Just make sure to cook to al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Definitely. Simply swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite plant-based protein. Make sure to use a tasty marinara sauce and load it up with veggies for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Can I prepare this Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining without the last-minute stress.
What are some good toppings to add beyond pepperoni?
Try sliced black olives, diced green bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. These toppings add both vibrant color and layers of flavor that make each bite exciting.
How do I know when the casserole is cooked through?
Once the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the casserole has baked for the full time suggested, it’s ready. Letting it rest for a few minutes afterward helps everything set nicely for clean, satisfying slices.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe enough if you’re craving something that feels both comforting and special. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that brings together beloved pizza flavors in a warm, cheesy pasta embrace. Whether for family dinner or a casual night with friends, give it a try — you’ll find it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make 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
Description
This Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of both worlds—classic pasta and the irresistible flavors of pizza—in a hearty, cheesy bake. Featuring penne or rotini pasta coated in a savory marinara meat sauce, layered with mozzarella, Parmesan, and slices of spicy pepperoni, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Easy to assemble and bake, it delivers a comforting and satisfying meal that pleases all ages.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 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
Cheeses 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 Oven and Prepare Baking Dish. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well to coat all the noodles evenly.
- Assemble Casserole – First Layer. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the layer.
- Assemble Casserole – Second Layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Add Pepperoni and Optional Toppings. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the top of the cheese layer. Add any optional toppings like black olives, sliced green bell peppers, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Bake Covered. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Finish Baking Uncovered. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve. Let the casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Use mini pepperoni slices for better distribution over the casserole surface.
- Substitute turkey pepperoni for a lighter, lower-fat version.
- Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking for a convenient future meal.
