Ultimate Baked Pizza Casserole
This hearty Pizza Casserole combines tender pasta, seasoned beef, pepperoni, rich pizza sauce, and gooey melted cheese into a family-friendly meal that tastes just like your favorite pizza in casserole form.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini, penne, or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Meat Layer
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- ½ pound (225 g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 30–40 pepperoni slices
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon (optional)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until 1–2 minutes less than al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook onion until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Stir pizza sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes into the meat.
- Simmer for 5–8 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix together:
- Cooked pasta
- Meat sauce
- Half the mozzarella
- Half the cheddar
Spread evenly into the baking dish.
Top with:
- Remaining mozzarella
- Remaining cheddar
- Parmesan cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Bacon and vegetables (if using)
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.
Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Parmesan zucchini
Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming soft during baking.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter casserole.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, or peppers for more flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1,180 mg
- Calcium: 420 mg
Nut Information
This recipe is naturally peanut-free and tree nut-free.
However, always check the labels on:
- Pizza sauce
- Pepperoni
- Italian sausage
- Shredded cheeses
- Seasoning blends
Some packaged products may be manufactured in facilities that also process peanuts or tree nuts.
To Keep It Nut-Free
- Purchase certified nut-free packaged ingredients if cooking for someone with a nut allergy.
- Avoid specialty cheeses or pesto products that may contain pine nuts or other tree nuts.
- Read all ingredient labels carefully to prevent cross-contamination.
Variations
- Supreme Pizza Casserole: Add mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, and sausage.
- Meat Lover’s: Add bacon, ham, sausage, and extra pepperoni.
- Hawaiian: Add diced ham and pineapple.
- Buffalo Chicken: Replace beef with shredded buffalo chicken and use ranch dressing.
- Veggie Pizza: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables.
- Low-Carb: Replace pasta with roasted cauliflower or zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen with an additional 20–25 minutes.
What pasta works best?
Rotini, penne, rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli all hold the sauce well.
Can I use only ground beef?
Absolutely. You can omit the Italian sausage and use 2 pounds of ground beef if preferred.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Yes. Homemade pizza sauce adds fresh flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Don’t overbake it, and be sure the pasta is well coated with sauce before baking.
Can I add extra cheese?
Definitely! Provolone, Monterey Jack, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend all make delicious additions.
What side dishes pair well with pizza casserole?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a simple green salad are all excellent choices.
