Easy & Delicious Pizza Casserole Recipe – A Family Favorite

pizza casserole

If you love the flavors of pizza but want something a little more hearty and family-friendly, this Pizza Casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams! Packed with layers of pasta, gooey cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, it’s like a deep-dish pizza and pasta bake had the ultimate love child. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or potlucks, this casserole is as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s also super customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own. Let’s bake some pizza magic!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work great)
  • 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (to add extra flavor and moisture)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage (optional, for added protein)
  • 1/2 cup diced pepperoni slices (or mini pepperoni)
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: Fresh basil or parsley

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like rigatoni or penne holds the sauce and toppings well, creating a perfect bite every time.
  2. Undercook the Pasta: Cook your pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (al dente) to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
  3. Customize the Toppings: Just like pizza, you can add anything you love—mushrooms, onions, spinach, or even pineapple for the adventurous!
  4. Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
  5. Double the Cheese: For the ultimate cheesy casserole, layer some mozzarella in the middle as well as on top.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and pepperoni and add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
  • Meat Lover’s Casserole: Add cooked bacon, ham, or ground beef for an ultra-meaty version.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and store in the fridge, then bake it fresh when ready to serve.
  • You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Break it into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

3. Combine the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pizza sauce, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked pasta, sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the mixture, then top with the remaining cheese and extra pepperoni slices if desired.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like crispy cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Leftovers and Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
  • Freezer: Freeze portions of the baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Pizza Casserole is the perfect combination of cheesy, saucy, and hearty, making it an instant hit with kids and adults alike. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, and the make-ahead option makes it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Bake this comforting dish tonight, and don’t forget to let me know your favorite pizza-inspired additions in the comments below. Enjoy! 🍕🧀✨

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