If you have a craving for all the best parts of pizza combined into one hearty, comforting dish, you’ve just found your new favorite: Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of a classic pizza—melty cheeses, savory pepperoni, zesty tomato sauce—and layers them with tender pasta and a rich beef mixture for a meal that feels like a warm kitchen hug. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy to pull together and incredibly satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of taste and texture in Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe starts with simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its unique flair, from the savory ground beef to the flavorful Italian seasoning, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, meaty foundation that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Small onion, diced (1): Adds sweetness and a gentle crunch when cooked down with the beef.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Pizza sauce or marinara (24 oz jar): The tangy, spiced tomato base that ties all components together.
- Sliced black olives (6 oz can, drained): Introduces a briny richness that contrasts beautifully with the cheese.
- Pepperoni slices (3.5 oz package, divided): Delivers that iconic pizza flavor both inside and on top.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups): Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness throughout.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds a sharp, tangy layer for depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian touch.
- Rotini or penne pasta (8 oz, cooked and drained): Sturdy shapes that hold the sauce and cheese beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the ingredients.
How to Make Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Having everything ready before cooking ensures a smooth assembly later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the beef is nicely browned and the onions soften. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Add the Sauce, Olives, Pepperoni, and Seasoning
To your browned beef mixture, stir in the jar of pizza sauce, drained black olives, half of the pepperoni slices, and the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce becomes the flavorful heart of your casserole.
Step 4: Combine with Cooked Pasta
Add the cooked rotini or penne to the skillet, gently folding it in until every piece is coated in that rich, pizza-flavored sauce. This step ensures every forkful is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the pasta and meat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Then, arrange the remaining pepperoni slices artistically on the cheese layer — they’ll crisp up nicely while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let all those delicious flavors settle.
How to Serve Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley brightens the dish with a hint of herbal freshness and adds a pop of inviting green color. You might also enjoy a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some gentle heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance its richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, keeping the pizza vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation, great for dinner parties or family gatherings. You can also top each portion with an extra fresh sprinkle of parmesan or drizzle with a little olive oil infused with chili flakes for an extra flavor kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an ideal option for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble it fully but do not bake. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture, warming for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a quick spin in the microwave works well for a faster option, although the oven gives the best texture on the crust and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne work wonderfully for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti are great alternatives. Just make sure to cook and drain them well before mixing.
Is there a vegetarian version of Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious veggie-packed casserole. Use a meatless sausage or plant-based crumbles if you want to keep that meaty texture.
Can I add more toppings to customize the casserole?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add green peppers, mushrooms, cooked sausage, or any of your favorite pizza toppings to make it truly your own.
How spicy is Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly by default. If you enjoy some heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can easily kick the spice level up.
What’s the best cheese combination to use?
The combo of mozzarella and cheddar in this recipe offers the perfect balance of gooey meltiness and sharpness. However, feel free to experiment with provolone or parmesan to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it effortlessly brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that warms both the heart and the appetite. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mama’s Pizza Casserole is a delicious and hearty baked pasta dish that combines savory ground beef, flavorful pizza sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheeses to create a kid-friendly, easy weeknight dinner bursting with classic pizza flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 (6 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 (3.5 oz) package pepperoni slices, divided
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, drained black olives, half of the pepperoni slices, and Italian seasoning. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well to combine all flavors.
- Mix in Cooked Pasta: Add the cooked and drained rotini or penne pasta to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta with the meat and sauce mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top, then arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- Customize the casserole by adding your favorite pizza toppings like green peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- You can substitute the cheeses with your preferred types if desired, such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
