Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic pizza into an easy-to-make casserole.

With layers of pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It’s simple to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, making it a go-to meal everyone will love.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In the same pot, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix well to coat. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Layer with half of the pepperoni slices and any additional toppings you like.
4. Add the Second Layer:
   Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the first layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 6)

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Expert Tips

• Cheese Blend: Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra gooeyness.
• Crispy Pepperoni: For crispier pepperoni, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works perfectly.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Covering with foil while baking helps keep it moist. Add a little extra sauce if needed.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Substitutions & Variations

• Toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage, diced onions, or green peppers.
• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic pizza into an easy-to-make casserole. With layers of pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Large pot
• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• - Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• - 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• - 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• - 1 jar 24 oz marinara or pizza sauce
• - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• - 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• - 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• - 1/2 cup sliced black olives optional
• - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers optional

Instructions

 

• **Cook the Pasta:**
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• **Prepare the Meat Sauce:**
• In the same pot, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.
• **Assemble the Casserole:**
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix well to coat. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Layer with half of the pepperoni slices and any additional toppings you like.
• **Add the Second Layer:**
• Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the first layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
• **Bake the Casserole:**
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• **Serve:**
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.