A hearty and family-friendly dish, this Pizza Casserole combines all the classic flavors of pizza—pepperoni, sausage, melty cheese, and marinara—layered with tender pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, delivering comfort and deliciousness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies all pizza cravings.
Easy to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings.
Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a large family.
Layers of gooey cheese and savory toppings make it irresistible!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups penne pasta
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 cup sliced pepperoni
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, draining any excess fat.
Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
Add marinara sauce, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the sauce mixture, pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Vegetarian: Replace the sausage and pepperoni with plant-based alternatives or additional veggies like zucchini, spinach, or artichokes.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Cheese Lovers: Experiment with additional cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or ricotta for extra creaminess.
Low-Carb: Swap the pasta for cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, rigatoni, or ziti work just as well in this recipe.
What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover the casserole with foil while baking to retain moisture, and only remove it during the final minutes for browning.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives and ensure the marinara sauce is also dairy-free.
How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to include chopped spinach, zucchini, or broccoli florets in the layers for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
Pizza Casserole is the perfect blend of comforting pasta and the beloved flavors of pizza. It’s an easy, customizable dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this casserole delivers a satisfying, cheesy bite every time. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s such a hit.
📖 Recipe:
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Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty Pizza Casserole loaded with pepperoni, sausage, cheese, and marinara sauce layered over tender pasta. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish combines the comfort of pasta with the flavors of pizza for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
4 cups penne pasta
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 small onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté onion and green bell pepper over medium heat for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add ground sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic and mushrooms. Cook for 2–3 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
- Add marinara sauce, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the pasta, half the sauce mixture, pepperoni slices, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage and pepperoni with additional vegetables or plant-based alternatives.
To make it dairy-free, use vegan cheese and ensure the marinara sauce is dairy-free.
To prevent dryness, always cover the casserole with foil while baking, removing it only during the final minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal
