Imagine all the melty, gooey goodness of your favorite pizza but in the form of a comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you just need a little extra warmth in your life. That’s what you get with this Pizza Casserole recipe. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone.

Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special gathering, this dish brings the flavor and fun of pizza in a hearty, satisfying way. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to put it all together to make the ultimate Pizza Casserole.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

3 cups of marinara sauce
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil

2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
1 package (about 12 ounces) of uncooked short pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)

Pepperoni slices (to taste)
1/2 cup of sliced black olives (optional)
1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms (optional)

Extra toppings as desired (e.g., diced ham, cooked bacon)

Instructions for Making Pizza Casserole

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well.

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper if using, and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and half of the cheeses. Stir in the cooked pasta until everything is well coated with the sauce.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses, pepperoni slices, and any other pizza toppings you like.

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta that can hold up well under a lot of sauce and cheese. Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even ziti work best as they catch and hold onto the sauce and ensure every bite is as flavorful as possible.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, make sure to cook it until just under al dente during the boiling phase. This prevents it from becoming too mushy after baking.

Sauté the Vegetables: Softening your vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms before adding them to the casserole helps to release their flavors and prevents them from becoming too crunchy in the final dish.

Layer the Flavors: Just like building flavors in a sauce, layer your ingredients carefully. Start with a base of sauced pasta, add your meats and vegetables, then cover with cheese before adding more toppings. This method helps distribute flavors evenly.

Use Quality Cheese: A good quality mozzarella and cheddar or even a blend that includes a bit of Parmesan can make a significant difference in taste and texture. Cheese is a key component in pizza, so it should also be a star in your casserole.

Season Properly: Don’t forget to season each component. Adding herbs and spices to the meat while cooking, as well as a final sprinkle of Italian seasoning over the casserole before baking, can elevate the overall flavor profile.

Broil for a Crispy Top: If you love a crispy cheese topping, give your casserole a quick broil for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Serving Suggestions

Garden Salad: A simple garden salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing can add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and hearty casserole.

Garlic Bread: No pizza-inspired meal would be complete without a side of garlic bread. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce in your plate.

Steamed Vegetables: For a healthier side, serve your casserole with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.

Caesar Salad: Another great option is a creamy Caesar salad with plenty of Parmesan cheese and croutons for added texture.

Storage Tips

Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To make serving easier, you can also store individual portions.

Freeze for Longer Storage: Pizza Casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or place it in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat Properly: To maintain the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual servings, but this might slightly alter the texture of the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold from the fridge.

Can I use different cheeses? Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Asiago, or a smoked cheese can add new flavors to your casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and golden, and the edges are bubbly. If you want to be extra sure, you can check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pizza Casserole

That's what you get with this Pizza Casserole recipe. It's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone.

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Serving Size

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion diced
2 cloves of garlic minced

1 bell pepper diced (optional)
3 cups of marinara sauce
1 teaspoon of dried oregano

1 teaspoon of dried basil
2 cups of mozzarella cheese shredded
1 cup of cheddar cheese shredded

1 package about 12 ounces of uncooked short pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
Pepperoni slices to taste
1/2 cup of sliced black olives optional

1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms optional
Extra toppings as desired e.g., diced ham, cooked bacon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well.
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper if using, and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and half of the cheeses. Stir in the cooked pasta until everything is well coated with the sauce.

Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses, pepperoni slices, and any other pizza toppings you like.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly, making it easier to serve.