The Ultimate Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Pizza casserole crafts traditional pizza flavors into a mouthwatering baked delight that promises pure comfort.

Layers of noodles, zesty sauce, and melted cheese create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Families adore this crowd-pleasing dish for its simplicity and satisfying nature.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly the ingredients come together without complicated preparation steps.

One-pan meals like this casserole eliminate kitchen stress and cleanup challenges.

the combination of familiar pizza ingredients makes this recipe irresistibly appealing to both kids and adults.

Bring excitement to your dinner table with this guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Fun Twists on Pizza Casserole

• Vegetarian Pizza Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or diced bell peppers and mushrooms for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor and nutrients.
• Mediterranean-Style Casserole: Swap pizza sauce for marinara, add crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and diced sun-dried tomatoes to give the dish a Greek-inspired Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pizza Casserole: Mix in diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and crispy bacon bits to create a zesty, creamy version that brings extra heat and richness to the classic recipe.
• Chicken Pizza Pasta Bake: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef, and incorporate ranch seasoning for a creamy, tangy alternative that keeps the comfort food vibes alive.

The Best Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Finest

• Crafting Comfort Quickly: This pizza casserole transforms classic pizza flavors into a hearty, one-dish meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving something deliciously familiar.
• Packed with Protein Power: Ground beef and cheese combine to deliver a substantial 30g of protein per serving, making this dish incredibly satisfying and filling for hungry appetites.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Classic pizza ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella, and Italian seasonings merge seamlessly with pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its comforting, recognizable taste profile.

Must-Have Ingredients for Easy Pizza Casserole

• Rotini Pasta: Classic short, twisty pasta perfect for holding sauce and creating a hearty base for the casserole.

• Ground Beef: Flavorful meat that provides protein and rich savory taste, best when lean for less grease.
• Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza topping that adds spicy, meaty flavor and crispy texture when baked.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Smooth, mild cheese that melts beautifully and creates a traditional pizza-like topping.

• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and slight sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides intense aromatic base that enhances overall dish flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings classic pizza-like herbal notes.

• Pizza Sauce: Tangy tomato-based sauce that ties all ingredients together with authentic pizza flavor.
• Water: Helps create proper moisture and consistency in the casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Make a Hearty Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook of rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Meat and Veggies

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning

Stir frequently until onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Warm the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 4: Mix Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Ground beef mixture
• Pizza sauce
• Water
• Half of mozzarella cheese
• Half of pepperoni slices

Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

• Remaining mozzarella cheese
• Remaining pepperoni slices

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Pizza Casserole

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook rotini slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease from ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming too oily and soggy.
• Cheese Layer Strategy: Sprinkle cheese in two layers for maximum melting and even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different meats like sausage or additional vegetables to personalize your pizza casserole.
• Crispy Cheese Hack: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delicious texture.

Storing Leftover Pizza Casserole

• Storing Leftovers
• Refrigerate the pizza casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store the dish for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness. Separate portion sizes for easier reheating and storage.
• Reheating Method
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or extra pizza sauce to keep the casserole moist and prevent the pasta from becoming tough.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pizza Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of the pizza casserole with a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, cutting through the cheesy richness and enhancing the Italian-inspired seasonings.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the hearty casserole with a light, tangy salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, adding freshness and helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
• Add Garlic Bread Sidekick: Create the ultimate comfort meal by serving warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the casserole, perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding a delightful crunch.
• Finish with Chilled Beer Pairing: Cool down the spicy and savory notes with a crisp lager or hoppy IPA, which will refresh your taste buds and complement the dish's robust flavors.

Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade pizza casserole delivers classic Italian comfort with layers of cheesy pasta, zesty pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce. Melted mozzarella and crispy edges create a delightful meal that pulls familiar pizza flavors into a hearty, satisfying casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• ¼ cup (60 grams) pepperoni, divided

Pasta and Cheese:

• 3 cups (270 grams) rotini pasta (measured before cooking)
• 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, divided

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
• 14 ounces (397 grams) jar pizza sauce (or substitute with pasta sauce)
• ¾ cup (177 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Boil of rotini pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Carefully drain the pasta and reserve to the side.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown of ground beef, systematically breaking meat into fine crumbles using a wooden spatula. Incorporate finely diced onions, crushed garlic cloves, and Italian seasoning blend, stirring continuously until vegetables soften and become translucent. Eliminate excess fat from the skillet.
3. Calibrate the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a rectangular baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Blend pizza sauce, warm water, cooked pasta, seasoned meat mixture, of shredded mozzarella cheese, and half the pepperoni slices in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
5. Distribute the combined mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Garnish the surface with remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil protection and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help ingredients settle and enhance flavor profile. Slice and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Customize your pizza casserole by swapping ground beef with Italian sausage or turkey for a unique flavor twist.
• Elevate the dish’s nutrition by mixing in colorful bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend to create your signature taste profile.
• Prepare this meal ahead of time by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by reheating individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg