Pizza Pasta Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish that combines tender pasta with all the classic pizza flavors—bell peppers, onions, pepperoni, and a savory meat sauce. Baked together into one delicious casserole, it’s the perfect family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This casserole brings together the best of both worlds—pasta and pizza—creating a filling and satisfying meal.
Customizable: With the option to add your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or extra pepperoni, it’s easy to adjust this dish to your liking.
Easy Weeknight Dinner: With a quick prep time and minimal ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a meal the whole family will love.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, savory flavors make this dish a hit with kids, making it a go-to family dinner option.

Ingredients

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

12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional toppings: sliced black olives, mushrooms, or any of your favorite pizza toppings

Directions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add any optional toppings as desired.
Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or garlic bread.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to make this dish vegetarian.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the casserole for some extra heat.
Cheese Variety: Swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses to change the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti, for a different texture.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add some spicy Italian sausage, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give it a spicy kick.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it, but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Conclusion

Pizza Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic flavors of pizza with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner. With customizable toppings and the option for leftovers, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Pizza Pasta Casserole

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Author: Paula
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Pizza Pasta Casserole is a cheesy, hearty dish that combines the best of pizza and pasta, featuring ground beef or Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, pepperoni, and plenty of mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this one-pan casserole is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add any optional toppings as desired.
Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or omit the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Cheese Variations: You can add more cheese like cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.

Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Meal Prep: This casserole stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking, Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving