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If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s a guaranteed family favorite, this Pizza Casserole recipe has all the flavors of a classic pizza baked into a cozy, cheesy casserole. With layers of tender pasta, savory marinara sauce, hearty ground beef, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that kids and adults both love. This dish is also perfect for meal prep and potlucks because it reheats beautifully and serves a crowd.
Pizza Casserole
This recipe is packed with all your favorite pizza flavors baked into a bubbly, cheesy, family-friendly casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Dinner – A recipe that pleases even picky eaters.
- Customizable Toppings – Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- Easy to Make Ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
- Perfect for Leftovers – This casserole tastes just as good the next day.
Ingredients:
- Rotini or penne pasta
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Pepperoni
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions
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Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Meat Lover’s: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham for extra protein.
- Veggie: Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or roasted peppers.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta with cooked cauliflower florets.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual servings.
Pizza Casserole Recipe
Pizza Casserole
This Pizza Casserole recipe is packed with all your favorite pizza flavors baked into a bubbly, cheesy, family-friendly casserole.
Equipment
- pot
- skillet
- 9×13 Casserole dish
- foil
- Non-Stick spray
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar 24 ounces marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni or more, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole – Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread half the pasta in the dish, top with half the meat sauce, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Add Toppings – Top with Parmesan cheese, pepperoni slices, and any other favorite pizza toppings.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual servings.
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Q: Can I freeze Pizza Casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in foil before baking and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Q: What pasta works best?
Rotini, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you love.
