Pizza Casserole

I came up with this pizza casserole idea on a busy evening when everyone in my family was torn between ordering pizza or cooking pasta and instead of choosing I combined both into one bubbling cheesy bake that was such a hit we’ve made it countless times since and it’s now a go-to meal for movie nights or casual weekends at home.

With layers of pasta rich marinara and melty cheese all topped with pepperoni and baked until golden it brings all the comfort of pizza in a fork-friendly form and the best part is it’s super customizable so you can toss in your favorite toppings and make it your own.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Pasta – I use penne or ziti as the hearty base that holds everything together.
• Marinara sauce – Brings all the bold herby tomato flavor just like pizza sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese – The gooey melty topping that makes it taste just like pizza.
• Pepperoni slices – Adds a classic pizza flavor and slightly crisp edges.
• Parmesan cheese – For extra savory depth and a touch of saltiness.
• Olive oil – Helps coat the pasta and keeps things from sticking.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings the classic pizza aroma.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce and cheese.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To boil the pasta until just al dente.
• Colander – For draining the cooked pasta quickly and easily.
• Mixing bowl – For tossing pasta with sauce and seasoning.
• 9×13 baking dish – The ideal size for layering and baking the casserole.
• Spatula or spoon – For mixing and spreading the layers evenly.
• Cheese grater – If shredding mozzarella fresh for best melt and flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I start by boiling the pasta in salted water until just al dente then I drain it and toss it in a bit of olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.

Step 2: Mix Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl I combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce Italian seasoning and garlic powder and I stir it all until the pasta is well coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

I spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish then I sprinkle on half the mozzarella and Parmesan and repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese.

Step 4: Top with Pepperoni

To give it that true pizza feel I arrange pepperoni slices across the top and they get nice and crisp in the oven.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

I bake the casserole at 375°F for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and then I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

You can mix in sautéed veggies like bell peppers mushrooms or onions if you want to load it up with more pizza-style toppings and cooked sausage or olives also make great add-ins. I sometimes use part-skim mozzarella to lighten it up a bit without sacrificing the melt.

Ways to Serve

Pizza casserole is filling on its own but I like pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread and if we have leftovers it heats up perfectly the next day for lunch or dinner. It’s also great for feeding a crowd or bringing to potlucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pizza casserole ahead of time?

Yes you can assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze pizza casserole?

Definitely just wrap it tightly and freeze unbaked or baked and thaw before reheating.

What pasta works best?

Short sturdy pasta like penne rotini or ziti holds up best in the layers.

Can I use different toppings?

Absolutely feel free to swap pepperoni with sausage bacon veggies or whatever you love on your pizza.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this pizza casserole a try soon! It’s a fun twist on two family favorites and always satisfies a comfort food craving and I’d love to hear what toppings you used or how your version turned out. Don’t forget to save this one for your next pasta night!

Happy Cooking!

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