Pizza casserole is a fun and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a hearty, baked dish. It combines pasta, pizza sauce, melted cheese, and classic toppings like pepperoni and bell peppers, making it a perfect comfort meal. This dish is quick to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and is great for feeding a crowd.
Whether for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, pizza casserole is always a hit. It’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with delicious flavors, giving you the best of both pizza and pasta in one easy-to-make recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it layers pasta with rich pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings, creating a satisfying dish with the perfect balance of textures. The pasta holds everything together while the sauce and melted cheese add moisture and flavor. Baking the casserole allows the cheese to get golden and bubbly, making it irresistible. Plus, it's easy to customize—swap pepperoni for sausage, add veggies, or use different cheeses for a unique twist.
Another reason this recipe is great is its convenience. It’s simple to make ahead, stores well, and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal for busy nights. Whether you're feeding a large family or looking for leftovers to enjoy later, pizza casserole is a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers all the flavors of a traditional pizza with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Pasta (Rotini or Penne) – Acts as the base, holding the flavors together.
Substitutes: Zucchini noodles or cauliflower for a low-carb version.
Pizza Sauce – Adds a rich tomato flavor, just like a classic pizza.
Substitutes: Marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy topping.
Substitutes: Provolone or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
Pepperoni – Gives a classic pizza taste with a little spice.
Substitutes: Cooked sausage, ham, or veggies for a meat-free option.
Bell Peppers – Adds a fresh crunch and extra flavor.
Substitutes: Mushrooms, onions, or olives for variety.
Tips
- Cook the pasta until slightly firm (al dente) to avoid mushy casserole.
- Layer ingredients to evenly distribute flavors in every bite.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan for extra richness.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep the dish moist, then remove it for a golden top.
- Add extra toppings like mushrooms, onions, or cooked sausage for more flavor.
How to Serve
Pizza casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven, with its gooey cheese and flavorful sauce creating a comforting meal. This dish combines the flavors of pizza and pasta in one easy-to-make recipe. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, as it reheats well.
- Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a full Italian-style meal.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
- Enjoy with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter for extra flavor.
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Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer with half the mozzarella cheese, half the pepperoni, and half the bell peppers.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then cover with the rest of the mozzarella, pepperoni, and bell peppers.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Mouthwatering!