Transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into an exciting culinary adventure with this incredible pizza casserole. It offers all the classic flavors you adore from a traditional pizza, reimagined in a comforting, baked dish. This recipe is a fantastic, fuss-free solution for busy families and a delightful twist on pizza night, bringing simplicity and deliciousness to your table without the usual effort. Get ready for a new family favorite that delivers big on taste.
Casseroles have a rich history as a popular and adaptable comfort food, making them a beloved choice for family meals. Discover the enduring appeal of casseroles.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Casserole
This pizza casserole is destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation, offering convenience and incredible flavor in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: Assemble this hearty meal in minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from toddlers to adults, adores the familiar, comforting taste of pizza.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt it with your family’s preferred toppings, from extra cheese to various meats or veggies.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for future busy evenings.
- Fun Alternative: It provides a unique and satisfying way to enjoy pizza flavors without ordering takeout.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite comfort food, the ultimate pizza casserole.
- 16 ounces penne pasta (or use cavatappi pasta/ rigatoni pasta)
- 4 cups marinara sauce (see notes below for homemade options)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 11 ounces pepperoni, divided
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to customize this versatile dish. Choose penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni pasta for the perfect shape to hold all that delicious sauce and cheese. While marinara sauce works beautifully, feel free to use your favorite pizza sauce or even a robust spaghetti sauce. For a lighter touch, swap classic pepperoni for turkey pepperoni. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can easily use your favorite homemade marinara or pizza sauce recipe.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy recipe. Gather these basic kitchen essentials:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Colander or strainer
- Large mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this delicious pizza casserole is straightforward, following these simple steps for a perfect meal every time.
Prep: First, prepare your baking dish. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For optimal browning, adjust your oven rack to one position up from the middle. This placement helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown cheese topping later.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on your stovetop. Add the dry pasta to the boiling water. For best results in baked pasta dishes, many culinary experts recommend undercooking pasta initially to prevent it from becoming mushy. Cook the pasta for approximately two minutes less than the package directions suggest for al dente. This slight undercooking is crucial; the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and then return it to the large pot.
Combine: To the cooked pasta in the pot, add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Next, incorporate about half of the pepperoni slices and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are well distributed throughout.
Assemble: Carefully transfer the entire pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring it forms a consistent layer. This creates a uniform base for your delicious casserole.
Top: Now for the best part! Layer the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture. Then, artfully arrange the remaining pepperoni slices over the cheese. You will need about 35 pepperoni slices for this top layer, creating a classic pizza look and ensuring every bite has that savory pepperoni flavor.
Bake: Place the uncovered casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. You will know it is ready when the sauce is visibly bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The aromas filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Broil (Optional): For an extra touch of deliciousness, if desired, briefly broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it during this step. Broiling will crisp up the pepperoni edges beautifully and give the mozzarella a lovely golden-brown finish. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool and rest for about 5 minutes before serving warm. This resting time helps the flavors meld and the cheese set slightly, making for easier serving. For a final flourish, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your homemade pizza casserole!
Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
Achieve the perfect pizza casserole every time with these helpful tips and tricks.
- Al Dente Pasta is Key: Always undercook your pasta by 2 minutes. This ensures it finishes cooking in the oven without turning soft or mushy.
- Crispy Topping: Don’t skip the optional broil! It gives the pepperoni a delightful crispiness and the cheese a golden, bubbly finish.
- Sauté Veggies: If adding fresh vegetables like onions or bell peppers, sauté them briefly beforehand. This softens them and enhances their flavor in the bake.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese or a dash of red pepper flakes adds a gourmet touch and extra flavor.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your family’s preference for spice.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile pizza casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal. Get creative with variations!
- Meat Lovers: Boost the protein by stirring in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey into the pasta mixture before baking.
- Veggie Lovers: Enhance the nutrition and flavor. Mix in diced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the pasta, and top with black olives or banana peppers.
- Cheese Lovers: Elevate the cheesy goodness by adding extra mozzarella, a sprinkle of provolone, or grated Parmesan throughout the layers.
- Keto Option: For a low-carb alternative, substitute the pasta with roasted zucchini chunks or cauliflower florets.
- Hawaiian Twist: Create a sweet and savory experience by adding cooked Canadian bacon and pineapple chunks to the casserole.
- Supreme Style: Replicate a classic supreme pizza by including green peppers, black olives, and mushrooms alongside the pepperoni.
Storage & Make Ahead
This pizza casserole is perfect for enjoying later, making your meal planning even easier.
Refrigeration: Store any leftover pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as delicious the next day!
Reheating: For individual servings, reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through. To reheat the entire casserole, cover it loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole both unbaked or baked. For freezing unbaked, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. For freezing baked casserole, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. Reheat from frozen, covered, at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, or until heated through. Always ensure your pasta is al dente when freezing to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this comforting pizza casserole knowing its nutritional value per serving.
(Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
| Nutrients | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 1050 mg |
| Total Carbs | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about making this fantastic pizza casserole.
What type of pasta is best for pizza casserole? Penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni are excellent choices because their tubular shapes capture the sauce and cheese perfectly. Any medium-sized pasta will work well in this recipe.
Can I add meat like ground beef or sausage? Absolutely! Cook and drain ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey before stirring it into the pasta mixture. This adds extra heartiness and flavor.
Can I make this pizza casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes, it can. Simply substitute traditional pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta option. Ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
Conclusion
This easy pizza casserole is a true winner for any busy weeknight, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It captures all the beloved tastes of a classic pizza in a comforting, baked dish that the whole family will adore. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe. Try this delightful twist on pizza night and watch it become a delicious staple in your home!