Pizza Casserole Recipe
This cheesy, saucy pizza casserole is everything you love about pizza and pasta baked into one irresistible dish. It’s a family favorite that’s hearty, satisfying, and crowd-approved.
With layers of pasta, meat, pepperoni, and bubbling cheese, pizza casserole is an easy weeknight dinner and a perfect freezer meal option. Prep ahead and enjoy whenever a comfort food craving hits.
What You’ll Need for a Delicious Pizza Casserole
- Ground beef or Italian sausage – Delivers rich, savory flavor and adds heartiness to every bite.
- Pepperoni – A classic pizza topping that brings a spicy, smoky punch to the casserole.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into gooey layers of cheesy goodness.
- Crushed tomatoes – Acts as the sauce base, binding everything with robust tomato flavor.
- Garlic salt – Enhances all the savory flavors and brings depth to the dish.
- Italian seasoning – Infuses each bite with that quintessential herby, pizza-parlor essence.
- Penne pasta – The sturdy shape catches sauce and cheese, holding the casserole together perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese – Finishes the dish with a nutty, golden crust that elevates every serving.
How to Make Pizza Casserole (Without the Fuss)
Start by browning your meat and seasoning it with garlic salt and Italian herbs. Stir in the crushed tomatoes to create a flavorful meat sauce.
While that simmers, cook your pasta just until al dente—it’ll continue baking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft. Layer the pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and pepperoni in a baking dish.
Repeat the layers and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Cover with foil, bake, then uncover to let the top get irresistibly bubbly and golden. Let it cool briefly before diving in!
Tips, Tricks & Tasty Variations
To change up the flavor, try swapping ground beef for spicy Italian sausage or mixing both for a deeper, more complex taste.
Vegetarian? Skip the meat and load it with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and olives. For a lower-carb version, substitute penne with cauliflower florets—yes, it works surprisingly well!
Want to dial up the pizza vibe even more? Add a handful of shredded provolone or a few dollops of ricotta between layers for added richness.
This recipe is also perfect for making ahead. Assemble in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake—or freeze a full tray for busy weeknights.
Storing Leftovers Like a Pro
Leftover pizza casserole keeps beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to two months.
To reheat, microwave smaller servings or bake larger ones at 350°F until warmed through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating to revive that melty magic.
Pizza Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes or two 15 oz cans
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 16 oz penne pasta
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet, then drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning until well blended.
- While the meat simmers, cook the penne pasta to al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- Transfer half of the pasta into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Evenly distribute half of the meat sauce over the pasta layer.
- Scatter half of the Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Arrange half of the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the meat sauce, Mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
- Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
