Pizza Casserole Recipe

Busy weeknights often mean tough choices at the dinner table. The kids want pizza, but you’re craving something warm and filling like pasta. Why choose when you can have both? This pizza casserole brings together the best of pizza night and comfort food in one satisfying dish. It’s the easy pizza casserole that solves your weeknight dinner dilemmas.

This recipe wins because it’s simple, uses ingredients you probably already have, and makes everyone happy. You can toss in your favorite pizza toppings, prep it hours ahead, and let the oven do the work. Each bite delivers gooey melted mozzarella, savory seasoned meat, tangy marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta.

The result is a bubbling, golden family dinner that tastes like your favorite pizzeria met your grandmother’s best casserole. No delivery required, just pure homemade goodness.

If you enjoy transforming classic favorites into comforting bakes, our Big Mac Casserole delivers all the fast-food flavor in a bubbly, cheesy form, just like this Pizza Casserole Recipe.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Pasta Bake

A Weeknight Winner

This pizza pasta bake comes together faster than ordering takeout. You’ll spend just 20 minutes on prep, then let the oven handle everything else. Brown the meat, toss everything in a bowl, and slide it into the oven. The minimal effort pays off with maximum flavor that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian restaurant.

Customizable for Everyone

Swap out toppings based on what your family loves. Hate mushrooms? Leave them out. Want extra veggies? Toss in some diced tomatoes or spinach. This customizable recipe works with turkey instead of beef, or go vegetarian by skipping the meat entirely. Everyone gets their perfect pizza combination.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make this casserole ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. It’s completely freezer-friendly too. Assemble it on Sunday, freeze it, and you’ve got a ready-to-bake weeknight meal waiting whenever you need it. Just thaw and bake.

Unbeatable Comfort Food

This dish captures everything we love about pizza and pasta rolled into one. The cheese gets perfectly melty, the sauce soaks into every noodle, and those crispy pepperoni slices on top create the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s cozy, satisfying, and always hits the spot.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Pizza Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious pizza casserole:

• 4 cups penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound pork sausage (for extra flavor!)
• 4 ounces pepperoni, sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 small can sliced black olives
• 24 ounce jar marinara pasta sauce
• 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

These pizza casserole ingredients are simple and straightforward. You can find most of them in your pantry or pick them up during a quick grocery run.

For another hearty, family-approved dinner, try the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. It’s rich, cheesy, and just as satisfying as pizza night.”

Ingredient Notes & Smart Swaps

• Pasta: Penne works beautifully in this pizza casserole with pasta because the tubes catch the sauce perfectly. Rotini and ziti are excellent alternatives. They hold up well during baking and create those satisfying sauce pockets in every bite.
• Meat: The combination of lean ground beef and pork sausage adds incredible depth. The sausage brings extra seasoning and richness. You can use all ground beef if you prefer, or swap in ground turkey for a lighter ground beef pizza casserole. Italian sausage adds even more flavor.
• Sauce: A good quality marinara makes all the difference. Choose one with simple ingredients and robust flavor. Your favorite pizza sauce works great too.
• Cheese: Mozzarella creates that signature pizza stretch and gooey texture. Parmesan adds a sharp, salty kick that balances the richness. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
• Veggies: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives are classic pizza toppings. Add jalapeños for heat, swap in red peppers for sweetness, or include fresh spinach for extra nutrition. This recipe welcomes your favorite combinations.

How to Make Pizza Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect pizza casserole. This pizza casserole recipe is easy enough for beginners but delivers restaurant-quality results.

1. Prep the Pasta: Cook 4 cups of penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook it since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork sausage. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until completely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and return the skillet to the stove.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the cooked meat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and smell amazing. This step builds incredible flavor.

4. Combine All Flavors: Transfer the meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the pepperoni slices, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, sliced mushrooms, and black olives. Stir everything together so the flavors blend.

5. Add Pasta & Sauce: Pour the cooked pasta and entire jar of marinara sauce into the bowl. Toss everything until the sauce coats every piece of pasta and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

6. Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pizza mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly.

7. Cheesy Top: Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese across the entire surface. Cover every inch for maximum cheesy goodness.

8. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up perfectly.

That’s how to make pizza casserole that your whole family will request again and again.

Expert Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole Ever

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your penne al dente, slightly firm to the bite. It will continue cooking in the oven and absorb sauce. Mushy pasta ruins the texture of your casserole.
• Drain Grease Thoroughly: After browning the meat, drain off all excess grease. Too much fat makes the casserole greasy and can create a watery layer at the bottom. Pat the meat with paper towels if needed.
• Season Generously: Add salt and pepper to your meat while it cooks. Taste and adjust before mixing everything together. Well-seasoned meat makes the best pizza casserole burst with flavor.
• Quality Sauce Matters: Your marinara is the foundation of this dish. Choose a sauce with rich tomato flavor and good seasoning. Avoid watery or bland options that will dilute the taste.
• Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your mozzarella from a block for that perfect stretchy, gooey texture.
• Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows everything to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

Delicious Pizza Casserole Variations

Meat Lover’s Dream

Turn this into a protein-packed feast by adding crispy cooked bacon, diced ham, or an extra half pound of Italian sausage. Brown everything together for a pepperoni pizza casserole that satisfies serious meat cravings. This version tastes like your favorite loaded pizza in casserole form.

Veggie Delight

Skip the meat and pile on fresh vegetables instead. Add handfuls of fresh spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. Zucchini and broccoli florets work beautifully too. You’ll get a lighter, nutrient-rich casserole that still delivers big flavor.

Hawaiian Twist

Create a sweet and savory combination by using diced ham and pineapple chunks instead of the beef and sausage. This polarizing pizza topping translates surprisingly well to casserole form. The pineapple adds brightness that balances the rich cheese.

Spicy Kick

Bring the heat by stirring in red pepper flakes with the oregano or layering sliced jalapeños throughout. A dash of hot sauce in the marinara amps up the flavor even more. This deep dish pizza casserole variation is perfect for spice lovers.

Gluten-Free Option

Swap regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Follow the package directions carefully since gluten-free varieties can have different cooking times. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.

If you like bold flavor combinations, our Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is another baked favorite packed with creamy spice and cheesy goodness.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions for Pizza Casserole

Make-Ahead

This make ahead pizza casserole saves you precious time on busy evenings. Follow steps 1 through 6 to assemble the entire casserole. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and pop it straight into the oven. Add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole starts cold. This method lets you prep during the weekend and enjoy an effortless dinner during the week.

Freezing Instructions

Your freezer friendly pizza casserole works beautifully for long-term storage. Complete steps 1 through 7, assembling everything in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

To Bake from Frozen: The best method is thawing overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, bake as the recipe directs, adding 15 to 20 extra minutes to ensure it heats through completely.

To Bake Without Thawing: Keep the casserole covered with foil and bake at 350°F for 60 to 75 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the center is piping hot. Check with a knife to make sure the middle is heated through.

What to Serve with Pizza Casserole

Keep the sides simple since this casserole already packs so much flavor. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness to your plate. Garlic bread or warm breadsticks are perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce. Steamed broccoli or green beans bring a healthy balance to the meal. You could also serve roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. These easy sides complete your dinner without stealing the spotlight from your main dish.

Nutritional Information

This pizza casserole provides a hearty, filling meal with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The nutritional values below are estimates based on the recipe as written, serving 8 people. Your actual numbers may vary depending on specific brands and any substitutions you make.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	9g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	850mg
Cholesterol	75mg

Disclaimer: These nutritional values are approximate estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate based on the exact products in your kitchen.

Pizza Casserole FAQs

More Recipes to Try

• Walking Taco Casserole
• Fajita Chicken Casserole
• Ramen Lasagna

Your New Favorite Family Dinner Awaits

This pizza casserole brings together everything you love about pizza night with the comfort of a home-cooked meal. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, customizable for picky eaters, and delicious enough to become a regular request at your dinner table. The combination of gooey cheese, savory meat, tangy sauce, and tender pasta creates a dish that satisfies every craving.

Whether you make it ahead for meal prep, freeze it for later, or bake it fresh tonight, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients already waiting in your kitchen.

Ready to try this recipe? Make it tonight and let us know how it turns out! Drop a comment below with your favorite topping combinations or any creative twists you added. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy family recipes that bring everyone to the table. Happy cooking!

Print