Introduction
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza with the comforting, hearty nature of a baked pasta dish. It’s cheesy, saucy, and loaded with pepperoni, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving pizza without the fuss of making dough.
Ingredients
12 oz (about 3 ½ cups) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz jar pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 cup sliced black olives or mushrooms (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef/sausage with diced onion until browned.
Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes.
Assemble the casserole:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the pasta, half the meat sauce, and half the mozzarella.
Layer with pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives (if using).
Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and more pepperoni on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is hearty and cheesy, with layers of saucy pasta, savory meat, and gooey mozzarella, topped with crispy pepperoni slices. It captures all the flavors of pizza in a comforting, fork-ready bake that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Variations
Cheese lovers: Add provolone, cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend for extra richness.
Meat-free: Skip the ground beef and use sautéed veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Kid-friendly: Let kids choose their “pizza toppings” like extra pepperoni, pineapple chunks, or mini meatballs.
Correction
A common mistake is overcooking the pasta before baking, which can make it mushy. Always cook pasta until just al dente since it will continue baking in the oven.
Enjoy
Slice into this cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole and enjoy a dish that’s perfect for sharing. It’s the best of both worlds: all the flavors of pizza combined with the comfort of pasta bake — sure to become a repeat favorite at your dinner table!