Pizza Pasta Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines all the best elements of pizza—cheesy, meaty, and saucy—with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying. With simple ingredients and tons of flexibility, this casserole is a cheesy, baked delight the whole family will enjoy.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

pasta (penne or rotini work well)ground beef or Italian sausagespaghetti or pizza saucemozzarella cheesepepperonionbell peppers (optional)mushrooms (optional)Italian seasoninggarlic powdersaltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic powder to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the spaghetti or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix until evenly coated.

Transfer half of the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and some pepperoni slices.

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by another layer of cheese and more pepperoni.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or vegetarian sausage for a lighter version.

Swap in marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce for a more personalized flavor.

Add olives, jalapeños, or cooked bacon for extra toppings.

Try a mix of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan for more flavor depth.

Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot.You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Pasta Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Do I have to use pepperoni?

No, you can skip it or use other pizza toppings like sausage, ham, or veggies.

What type of pasta is best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce and toppings.

Is it okay to add more cheese?

Absolutely, feel free to load it up with as much cheese as you like.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a kick.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, it saves time and adds that signature pizza flavor.

Do I need to cover it while baking?

No, bake it uncovered to get that golden, bubbly top.

Can I use leftover pasta?

Yes, just mix it with the sauce and proceed with the recipe.

Is this kid-friendly?

Totally! The cheesy, pizza-like flavor is a big hit with kids.

What goes well with this casserole?

A green salad and garlic bread are great side options.

Conclusion

Pizza Pasta Casserole brings together two of your favorite meals into one easy, cheesy, oven-baked dish. Whether it’s for dinner tonight or meal prep for the week, this hearty casserole satisfies every craving with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

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