If you love all the irresistible flavors of pizza but want a cozy, comforting dish that feeds a crowd with ease, this Pizza Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta mingling with savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, fresh veggies, and gooey melted cheese all baked into one bubbling, delicious casserole. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe brings together everything that makes pizza so beloved, but with a hearty twist that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and color that make this dish stand out. Combining tender pasta, robust meats, fresh vegetables, and a mix of cheeses creates harmony in every bite.
- 4 cups penne pasta: The sturdy tubes hold sauce beautifully and offer a satisfying bite to the casserole.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and a hint of spice.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni: Brings that classic pizza vibe with a slightly smoky kick.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides natural sweetness and a subtle crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers fresh, vibrant color and gentle bitterness for balance.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms: Earthy flavor and meaty texture complement the meats wonderfully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: The tomato base that ties all the flavors together with its tangy richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness that’s essential on any pizza-inspired dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the Italian flavor profile with its herbaceous notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings sweet, peppery undertones that brighten the casserole.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season everything just right.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick. At the same time, cook your penne pasta just until al dente – you want it tender but still firm to the bite to hold up during baking.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Cook Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onion and green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it through, breaking it apart as it browns, then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.
Step 3: Incorporate Mushrooms and Garlic
To the skillet, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook together for 2 to 3 minutes until mushrooms are tender and garlic releases its aromatic magic – this builds fantastic depth to your sauce mixture.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in dried oregano and basil. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This step infuses the sauce with a perfect balance of herbaceous and tangy flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
In your greased baking dish, create layers starting with half the cooked pasta, followed by half of the sauce mixture. Add a layer of pepperoni slices, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat those layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, pepperoni, and cheeses to build the casserole up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turning golden brown – this finishing bake is what makes the Pizza Casserole Recipe irresistible.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This helps it set up so it slices nicely. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil on top for a vibrant, fragrant flourish.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top not only add a burst of color but also lift the flavor with their bright, slightly sweet aroma. You can also consider a light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, something light and refreshing to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty Italian bread also complements the meal perfectly, ideal for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, serve the pizza casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You can also top each portion with a small handful of arugula tossed lightly in lemon juice for a peppery freshness that contrasts deliciously with the cheesy casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well and the flavors even deepen after resting overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze this Pizza Casserole Recipe either before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For quicker meals, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps retain the casserole’s texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes in this Pizza Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding sauce, other pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or shells work wonderfully as well. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni, and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, olives, or artichokes. You can also include plant-based sausage substitutes to keep the meaty texture and flavor.
What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan?
Provolone or fontina make delicious alternatives to mozzarella, while Asiago or pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a slightly different but still flavorful twist.
Can I prepare this pizza casserole recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How spicy is this dish?
The Pizza Casserole Recipe has a mild warmth from the Italian sausage and pepperoni. If you prefer more heat, add crushed red pepper to the sauce or use spicy sausage varieties.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Casserole Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in a warm, comforting casserole that brings smiles to any table. Easy to make, full of hearty ingredients, and perfect for sharing, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Don’t wait to try it and experience that cheesy, saucy, meaty magic for yourself!
Print
Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Pizza Casserole combines classic pizza flavors like Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese layered over tender penne pasta and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 cups penne pasta
Meats
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Cheeses & Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta until it reaches an al dente texture as per package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Cook Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet with the vegetables, cooking until browned thoroughly. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, and add dried oregano and basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, create layers starting with half of the cooked pasta, then half of the sauce mixture, followed by pepperoni slices, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients to build up the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for ground Italian sausage for a different flavor or leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes can add some spicy heat if desired.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave for a quick meal the next day.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
