If you love the flavors of pizza but crave the comfort of a warm, cheesy baked dish, then Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This family-friendly recipe combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and plenty of pepperoni for a meal that feels indulgent yet so easy to make.
Think of it as pizza night’s cozy cousin—one that’s layered, bubbly, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. And before you dive deeper into this recipe, don’t forget— save this pin for recipe inspiration later, so you’ll always have this comforting classic at your fingertips when pizza cravings strike!
What makes this dish truly irresistible is its versatility. You can keep it simple with just pasta, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, or load it up with your favorite toppings like mushrooms, peppers, sausage, or olives.
It’s customizable, kid-approved, and perfect for potlucks, busy weeknights, or even game-day gatherings. Plus, it comes together quickly with minimal prep and uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The result? A golden, cheesy, pizza-inspired casserole that brings smiles to the table every single time.
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines all the flavors of classic pizza in a hearty baked casserole form.
Layers of tender pasta, zesty marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and plenty of pepperoni create a bubbly, golden-brown meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, as it’s simple to make ahead and bake when needed.
Customizable with extra toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, it delivers the irresistible taste of pizza with the ease of a one-pan dish. A true crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente (a little firm, since it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
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If using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes so flavors blend. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sauce mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan, and about 1 cup of pepperoni slices. Toss until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and a few pepperoni slices. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices across the top for that classic pizza look.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 460kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 26g40%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 22g44%
- Calcium 220 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: Tips & Serving Tricks
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is one of those family-friendly comfort food dishes that brings together everything you love about pizza—gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and pasta—into a warm and bubbly casserole.
It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy game night, this dish never fails to please.
Below are practical tips, tricks, and serving suggestions to help you elevate your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Choose the Right Pasta
Short-cut pasta like rotini, penne, or ziti works best. Their ridges and hollow centers hold onto the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair, as it tends to become mushy in casseroles. - Par-Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta only until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Since it will continue to cook in the oven with sauce, overcooking it beforehand can result in a mushy texture. - Use Quality Sauce
A rich marinara or pizza sauce is key. If you’re using store-bought sauce, enhance the flavor by sautéing garlic, onion, or Italian seasoning before mixing it in. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a nice kick. - Balance the Cheese
A mix of mozzarella and provolone gives that classic stretchy, gooey texture. A sprinkle of Parmesan or Romano adds sharpness and depth. Layering cheese both within the casserole and on top creates the ultimate cheesy experience. - Crispy Pepperoni Trick
For extra flavor, lightly crisp some pepperoni slices in a skillet before layering them in the casserole. This releases their oils and intensifies the smoky flavor while preventing the casserole from becoming greasy. - Customize the Fillings
Treat this casserole as a blank canvas. Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives for a veggie boost. Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken can also be layered for a heartier dish.
Baking & Serving Tricks
- Cover, Then Uncover
Cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking to retain moisture. Remove the foil in the last 10–15 minutes so the cheese can melt into a golden, bubbly topping. - Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve neatly. - Portioning for a Crowd
If serving at a party or potluck, bake in a disposable foil pan for easy transport and cleanup. Cut into square portions like lasagna for a neat presentation. - Serving Pairings
- Side Dish: Garlic bread, breadsticks, or a fresh green salad with Italian dressing balance out the richness.
- Drinks: A light red wine like Chianti, or for kids and casual meals, a fizzy soda pairs perfectly.
- Dips: Ranch dressing, marinara, or spicy garlic butter make fun sides for dipping.
- Make-Ahead Option
Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cook time. This makes it a stress-free dish for parties or busy evenings. - Freezing & Reheating
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole freezes beautifully. Store leftovers in airtight containers or freeze the whole casserole wrapped in plastic and foil. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For individual servings, a microwave works fine, though the oven keeps the cheese melty and the edges crisp.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercooking the pasta keeps it from getting mushy in the oven.
- Cheese Options: Mozzarella is classic, but you can add provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 20 minutes to the cooking time.
Variations
- Veggie Pizza Casserole: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Meat Lover’s Version: Use a mix of pepperoni, cooked sausage, ham, and bacon for a heartier take.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or spicy pepperoni for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure the sauce is gluten-free.
Serving Ideas
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is filling on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic knots or breadsticks
- A light antipasto platter with olives, cheese, and cured meats
Nutrition (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480–520
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Final Thoughts
For extra flair, garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil before serving. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes lets spice lovers customize their portion.
With these tips and tricks, your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole will go beyond being a simple dinner—it’ll become a go-to favorite that satisfies cravings for both pasta and pizza in one dish. Whether you serve it for a family meal or a gathering, this cheesy, meaty, and crowd-pleasing casserole guarantees smiles around the table.
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza baked into a warm, cheesy pasta dish. It’s simple to prepare, customizable to your family’s preferences, and sure to satisfy cravings for comfort food. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding kids, or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavor and gooey cheese in every bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting baked dish that combines the flavors of classic pepperoni pizza with the heartiness of pasta or layered bread.
Typically, it includes pasta or biscuit dough, pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and sometimes vegetables or extra meats. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a family-friendly alternative to ordering takeout pizza.
How do you make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
The process is simple: cook pasta (like rotini, penne, or ziti) and toss it with marinara or pizza sauce. Layer it in a casserole dish with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and plenty of pepperoni. Some recipes add Italian sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned on top. The result is gooey, cheesy, and loaded with pizza flavors in casserole form.
Can you make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. If baking from cold, add 10–15 extra minutes to the cook time. It also freezes well—assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What do you serve with Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
Since the casserole is rich and filling, it pairs best with lighter sides. A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly. For a casual family meal, it can stand alone as the main dish. Leftovers also reheat well, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
