Pizza Casserole

This cheesy Pizza Casserole recipe is a much loved classic comfort food turned into an easy kids favorite casserole. Packed with all the pizza flavors we love in layers of sauce, cheese, pepperoni, pasta and Italian sausage. Every bite of this crowd-pleasing gooey cheesy pasta pizza dish is satisfying and delicious!

For more fun and hearty cheese casseroles try my pizza pasta bake with ground beef, Dorito chicken casserole, lasagna casserole and taco tater tot casserole.

this recipe!

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Pizza lovers are going to love this pizza casserole recipe with layered pepperoni and Italian Sausage goodness. My teenagers ask for this and cheesy taco pasta bake on repeat!!

It is much easier to make than pizza by just layering the ingredients and it’s perfect to make ahead of time to have ready in the fridge or freezer to bake and serve.

Just like pizza this pizza casserole can be easily customized with toppings and the cheese and or meat you use to make it. Great served with my green salad and cheese stuffed garlic bread.

For more pizza inspired recipes try my pizza dip appetizer, pizza poppers and parmesan bread bites.

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta
• Italian Sausage – I used the brand Marketside Mild Ground Italian Sausage, but any sausage will work
• Onion – diced
• Garlic Cloves – minced
• Marinara Sauce – use your favorite jarred marinara for convenience or make your own from scratch for a homemade touch
• Diced Tomatoes – 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes
• Dried Oregano and Dried Basil Spices
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Pepperoni – sliced pepperoni
• Parmesan Cheese

How To Make Pizza Casserole Recipe

STEP ONE – Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

STEP TWO – Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

STEP THREE – In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.

STEP FOUR – Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

STEP FIVE – Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir to coat pasta evenly.

STEP SIX – Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish.

STEP SEVEN – Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.

STEP EIGHT – Top with all 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

STEP NINE – Arrange sliced pepperoni over the mozzarella cheese.

STEP TEN – Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

STEP ELEVEN – Let stand for 5 minutes before serving & enjoy!

Can I make this pizza casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pasta bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! You can use any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rigatoni instead of penne.

Can I add other pizza toppings?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, bacon or even jalapeños for some heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers using an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To freeze slightly undercook the pasta before assembly it. Let the dish to cool completely then wrap in a plastic wrap and foil then freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add a bit of liquid before reheating to prevent the past from drying out.

Reheat the whole dish using a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. You can add a splash of marinara sauce or broth if the pasta seems a bit dry.

Reheat single servings in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave using 30 second intervals until heated through.

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