Pizza Casserole Recipe

You don’t need to sacrifice pizza night just because you’re short on time or tired of ordering takeout. This pizza casserole transforms your favorite Italian comfort food into a streamlined, oven-baked dish that requires minimal hands-on effort. You’ll layer tender pasta with rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and your preferred toppings—from savory pepperoni to fresh bell peppers. The technique creates those beloved pizza flavors while offering something traditional pizza simply can’t deliver.

Overview

• Combine cooked penne pasta with pizza sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese for the base layers.
• Brown Italian sausage with diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic to create a flavorful meat mixture.
• Layer pasta, meat mixture, and cheeses in a greased 9×13 baking dish for easy assembly.
• Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Customize with different meats, vegetables, or cheese combinations to suit family preferences and dietary needs.

Recipe

Pizza casserole combines all the beloved flavors of pizza in a convenient, family-friendly casserole format. This hearty dish layers pasta, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings into a satisfying meal that serves a crowd. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can customize it with any combination of meats, vegetables, and cheeses to suit your family’s preferences.

This one-dish wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want the comfort of homemade pizza without the hassle of making dough or individual portions. The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining. The result is a bubbling, golden-topped dish that delivers all the satisfaction of pizza night with the convenience of a casserole.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage or pepperoni, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps

You’ll start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Cook the penne pasta until al dente while simultaneously browning the Italian sausage and sautéing the diced bell peppers, onions, and sliced mushrooms until tender.

Once you’ve combined the pasta, meat mixture, pizza sauce, and cheeses in your prepared dish, you’ll bake it covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the mozzarella turns golden and bubbly.

Step 1. Preheat Oven, Grease Dish

Before diving into the assembly process, set your oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This indispensable first step guarantees you’re ready for seamless cooking and prevents your beloved casserole from sticking to the pan.

The proper oven temperature creates the perfect environment for melting cheese while cooking pasta through without overcooking. Don’t skip the greasing step – even non-stick pans benefit from this extra protection when dealing with cheese-heavy dishes like ours. Use your fingers to spread butter into every corner, or give cooking spray a thorough application across the bottom and sides.

This preparation sets you up for success in the upcoming layering process, making cleanup effortless and certifying every precious bite releases perfectly from your dish.

Step 2. Cook Pasta Until Al Dente

While your oven preheats, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the 12 ounces of penne or rigatoni pasta. You’ll want to cook it just until al dente – that perfect bite where there’s still a slight firmness in the center. This typically takes 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest.

The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so undercooking slightly prevents mushy results. When you drain pasta, reserve a splash of the starchy cooking water – it helps the sauce cling better.

Texture considerations are vital here; properly cooked pasta maintains its shape during baking and provides that satisfying chew we all crave in comfort food.

Step 3. Sauté Meat and Vegetables

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the pound of ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat develops a golden-brown crust, typically after 6-8 minutes.

Now add your diced onion and bell pepper, letting them soften alongside the sausage for another 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should become tender and translucent. Toss in the sliced mushrooms next, cooking until they release their moisture and develop a light golden color.

Finally, add the minced garlic during the last minute—proper sauté timing prevents it from burning. This aromatic foundation, enhanced by the meat’s natural spice combinations, creates the flavorful base that’ll make your pizza casserole absolutely irresistible.

Step 4. Combine Ingredients in Dish

Now that your aromatic meat and vegetable mixture is perfectly cooked, grab your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and start building the layers that’ll transform simple ingredients into pizza perfection.

Add your drained pasta first, creating an even foundation. Pour in the savory meat and vegetable mixture, distributing it thoroughly throughout the pasta. Next, add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring everything together until each piece is well-coated. This is where you’ll incorporate favorite toppings if you’re adding extras like olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

Sprinkle in one cup of mozzarella and all the cheddar cheese, mixing gently to balance flavors throughout. Finally, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 5. Bake Covered Then Uncovered

Cover your assembled casserole tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated 375°F oven for exactly 25 minutes – this initial covered phase allows the pasta to absorb the pizza sauce’s robust flavors while the cheeses begin their slow melt from the bottom up.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until you see those beautiful golden bubbles forming across the mozzarella surface. If you’re craving that authentic pizzeria experience, add cheese topping during these final minutes and broil for crispy top – just switch to broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling vigorously and the top has transformed into irresistible, crispy perfection.

Top Tips

While achieving the perfect pizza casserole requires attention to detail, you’ll get superior results by cooking your pasta one minute less than the package directions suggest, since it’ll continue cooking in the oven and absorb flavors from the sauce.

You’ll want to drain your cooked vegetables thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making your casserole watery. When layering, distribute ingredients evenly for consistent bites throughout. Customize ingredients based on your family’s preferences – swap Italian sausage for ground beef, add black olives, or include fresh basil.

For maximum convenience, freeze for later by assembling completely without baking, then wrapping tightly. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Per Serving (8 servings)
Calories	485
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	1,240mg
Total Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	8g
Protein	28g
Calcium	380mg
Iron	3mg

This pizza casserole provides a substantial amount of protein from the Italian sausage and cheese blend, making it a satisfying main dish. The combination of three cheeses contributes significant calcium content, supporting bone health. While the dish is relatively high in sodium due to the processed meats and cheese, you can reduce this by using low-sodium pizza sauce and limiting added salt during preparation.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands and products used in preparation. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the exact ingredients and brands you select.

Final Thoughts

Beyond the nutritional benefits, this pizza casserole recipe delivers remarkable versatility that adapts to your family’s changing preferences and dietary needs. You’ll discover endless possibilities by swapping Italian sausage for ground turkey, adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, or incorporating different cheese combinations. The crowd pleasing nature of this dish makes it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners when you’re feeding multiple palates.

You can transform leftovers into lunch by portioning individual servings for reheating. The recipe’s forgiving nature means you’ll succeed whether you’re doubling ingredients for meal prep or halving portions for smaller households. This casserole becomes your go-to solution when you want pizza’s beloved flavors without traditional preparation constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Pizza Casserole Recipe?

You’ll absolutely love using gluten-free pasta substitutions in this dish! Choose sturdy alternative pasta options like rice-based penne or chickpea rigatoni – they’ll hold beautifully with the sauce and cheese, creating that perfect comfort-food experience you’re craving.

How Long Does Leftover Pizza Casserole Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?

Time’s your friend when you’ve stored leftovers properly. Your pizza casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days refrigerated at 40°F or below. Use airtight containers, ensuring proper storage techniques maintain that cheesy, saucy goodness we all crave together.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Pizza Casserole Without Drying It Out?

You’ll get best results using your oven at 325°F, covering tightly with foil to trap moisture. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel over individual portions, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Can I Substitute Ground Beef or Turkey for the Italian Sausage?

When exploring alternate ground meat options, you’ll discover turkey creates lighter flavors while beef delivers robust richness. Consider sausage substitution considerations like adding extra Italian seasoning to replicate those beloved aromatic spices.

Should I Thaw Frozen Vegetables Before Adding Them to the Casserole?

You don’t need thaw time required for most frozen vegetables since they’ll cook perfectly during baking. However, make cooking time adjustments by adding five extra minutes if using dense frozen veggies like broccoli.