Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—bringing together all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of baked pasta. Packed with seasoned meat, gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni and bell peppers, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving both pizza and pasta in one bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two favorites in one – the flavor of pizza with the heartiness of pasta.
• Customizable – add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
• Make-ahead friendly – assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
• Kid-approved – cheesy, savory, and fun to eat.
• Feeds a crowd – great for family dinners or gatherings.

ingredients

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

• Penne or rotini pasta
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Green bell pepper, chopped
• Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• Garlic, minced
• Italian sausage or ground beef
• Sliced pepperoni
• Diced tomatoes, drained
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Optional toppings: sliced black olives, red pepper flakes, fresh basil

directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the meat and veggies: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add mushrooms and garlic, cook for 2 minutes more. Add sausage or ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in half the pepperoni slices.
5. Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Arrange the remaining pepperoni on top.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or optional toppings.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and load it up with veggies like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Different meats: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even bacon for different flavor profiles.
• Cheesy twist: Add provolone or cheddar for a richer, gooier topping.
• Low-carb alternative: Use cooked spaghetti squash or a low-carb pasta option.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze fully baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli will work just fine.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely—assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What kind of cheese is best?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can add provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses.

How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean protein, and reduced-fat cheese. Load up on veggies too.

Can I use marinara instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, marinara adds extra flavor and works great in place of plain sauce.

What’s the best way to freeze it?

Wrap the entire dish tightly in foil and freeze before baking for the best texture.

Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely—treat it like a pizza and add mushrooms, olives, onions, or jalapeños.

What do I serve with pizza pasta casserole?

A green salad and garlic bread pair perfectly with this dish.

Can I skip the pepperoni?

Sure! It’s optional—feel free to leave it out or swap with another meat or veggie.

How long should I bake it if it’s frozen?

Bake covered at 375°F for 60–70 minutes, or until hot in the center and bubbly.

Conclusion

Pizza Pasta Casserole is the best of both worlds—cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying. With its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s a reliable go-to for weeknight meals or parties. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, this baked pasta dish is always a hit.

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