Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal mashup, combining all the bubbly, cheesy goodness of a classic pizza with the hearty satisfaction of a pasta bake. Full of gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a flavorful meat sauce, this dish gets rave reviews every time I bring it to the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or pulling off an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole makes pizza night infinitely easier and just as crave-worthy. Every bite is like a cozy, saucy hug!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients, but don’t be fooled — each one adds its own magic, from gooey cheese pulls to layers of comforting, familiar flavors. Here’s what brings the signature taste and irresistible texture to your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:
- Rotini or penne pasta (12 ounces): These sturdy shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly and bake up beautifully soft but never mushy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the meat and adds a touch of richness right from the start.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): Bring on the savory, meaty flavor that grounds this casserole in pizza territory – sausage gives a little extra zing.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): An essential for amping up the aroma and giving that classic Italian backbone.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): The heart of the “pizza” flavor, so choose a brand you love for the best results.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Balances everything with a blend of herbs and just the faintest whiff of pizzeria nostalgia.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): That perfect melty, stretchy layer that makes every forkful utterly satisfying.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): A tangy bite that perfectly complements all the other cheesy elements.
- Mini or sliced pepperoni (1/2 cup): Pizza’s most beloved topping – scattered on top for loads of flavor and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: A pinch of each brings everything into balance and lets your other ingredients shine.
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that makes your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole truly party-ready.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you just enough time to cook your pasta, brown your meat, and assemble everything for that signature bubbling bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy breezy.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil, then add your rotini or penne. Cook until just al dente (you want a little bite left, since it’ll bake more later), then drain. Set your pasta aside and get ready for the main event!
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
In a big skillet, heat your olive oil over medium. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Once it’s beautifully browned, drain off any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, then add your marinara or pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it all simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes, so the flavors mingle. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, mix your cooked pasta with the rich meat sauce. Toss in 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan, and stir everything together so every bite gets saucy, cheesy goodness. This is when it all starts looking and smelling incredible!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the pasta mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella over the top — this will form that gorgeous golden crust. Finish it all off by layering your pepperoni slices or minis on top, making sure every inch gets a little pop of that signature pizza flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and dotted with crispy pepperoni. When it’s done, let it rest for 5 minutes so everything sets up, then shower it with parsley or basil for a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Cascade chopped fresh parsley or basil across the piping hot casserole just before serving for a burst of color and herbal freshness. If you want extra flair, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or an extra dusting of Parmesan. It’s amazing how this simple touch takes your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole from tasty to truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole with a bright green salad — something crisp and zesty to balance all the cheesiness. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser for soaking up extra sauce, or go for classic roasted veggies for a wholesome, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can scoop generous portions into individual ramekins for an upscale feel, or serve with a “pizza bar” of extra toppings like sliced black olives and sweet bell peppers. If you’re hosting, try cutting the baked casserole into smaller squares, skewering them with toothpicks, and offering them as party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Casserole keeps like a dream! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh and delicious for three to four days, ready whenever that pizza craving strikes again.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Assemble the entire casserole up until baking, cover well with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. It’s the ultimate freezer-friendly comfort food!
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out. For a quick fix, individual portions can be microwaved until hot, but the oven will give you that irresistible melty cheese top every time.
FAQs
Can I make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground meat for crumbled plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also use vegetarian pepperoni or simply skip it for a still-delicious pasta bake.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Yes, feel free to use any short pasta shape that holds sauce well, like farfalle, ziti, or rigatoni. The goal is something sturdy enough to give your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole that hearty, satisfying texture.
What’s the best way to keep the casserole from drying out?
Be sure not to overbake, and if you’re reheating, cover the casserole with foil to lock in moisture. Adding a splash of extra sauce before reheating can also make leftovers taste freshly made!
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Definitely! Add sautéed onions, black olives, sliced bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a custom creation. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is super versatile, so go wild with your favorite pizza add-ins.
Do I need to pre-cook the pepperoni?
Nope! The pepperoni crisps up beautifully during baking, infusing the whole Pepperoni Pizza Casserole with loads of flavor — just slice and scatter on top before popping the dish in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole — it’s hearty, cheesy, packed with pizza flavor, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you serve it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a laid-back get-together, I promise it’ll be a hit. Give it a try, and let this simple classic earn a spot in your regular rotation!
Print
Pepperoni 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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza in a comforting pasta bake. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni, this dish is a family favorite for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini or sliced pepperoni
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil, brown the ground beef, add garlic, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a mixing bowl, mix cooked pasta and meat sauce. Add 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, add pepperoni slices, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve.
Notes
- You can add sliced black olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
- Consider using turkey pepperoni or a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
