Pizza Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love pizza and pasta, then Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish for you. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your favorite pizza toppings, and delivers all the deliciousness of a pizza in casserole form. The combination of crispy pepperoni, savory Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella layered with pasta and a marinara-inspired sauce is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, which means less stress when it’s time to eat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for pan

• 12 oz. cavatappi pasta

• 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided

• 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed

• 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 3 (8-oz.) cans tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes

• 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

• 1 tsp. dried basil

• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, chopped into 1/2″ pieces

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided

• 1/3 cup sliced pepperoni (about 2 oz.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13″x9″ glass baking dish with oil.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and 2 tablespoons salt, cooking until al dente (about 7-9 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into bite-size pieces, until browned and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Transfer the sausage to a medium bowl, leaving the fat in the skillet.

4. In the same skillet, add the mushrooms along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Transfer the mushrooms to the bowl with the sausage.

5. Add the onion, garlic, and remaining oil to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened (about 4-5 minutes). Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt.

6. Remove 2 cups of the sauce and set aside. Fold in the bell peppers, sausage, mushrooms, and cooked pasta into the remaining sauce. Stir until everything is combined and heated through (about 1-2 minutes).

7. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella, then add the rest of the pasta mixture. Pour the reserved 2 cups of sauce on top.

8. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.

9. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella, and top with pepperoni slices. Continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni is browned.

10. Serve immediately, optionally topping with Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: You can swap out Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even ground beef for a different flavor.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and pepperoni. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, olives, or spinach for a tasty vegetarian version.

• Different Pasta Shapes: While cavatappi is recommended for its great sauce-holding shape, you can use other pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne.

• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

• Freezing: This casserole can be assembled (without the final layer of cheese and pepperoni) and frozen for up to a month. Once ready, thaw it overnight and bake as instructed.

• Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni, will work perfectly in this casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the casserole in advance by cooking the sausage, mushrooms, and sauce. Store the prepped casserole in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready.

3. Can I freeze this pizza casserole?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it (without the final mozzarella and pepperoni). Once ready, thaw it overnight and bake as instructed.

4. Can I leave out the mushrooms?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, feel free to leave them out and add extra veggies or just stick with the sausage and bell peppers.

5. What other toppings can I use instead of pepperoni?

You can use any of your favorite pizza toppings like olives,  cooked chicken, or even anchovies. Get creative with your additions!

6. How can I make the casserole spicier?

If you like it spicy, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to cook them down a bit to form a sauce-like consistency. Make sure to remove the skin and seeds before adding them to the skillet.

8. Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. Just make sure to check the rest of your ingredients for gluten.

9. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or any other vegetables you enjoy on your pizza.

10. What if I don’t like spicy food?

If you’re not a fan of spice, simply skip the crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe. The casserole will still be flavorful without the heat.

Conclusion

Pizza Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and customizable dish that brings the best of pizza and pasta together in one comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness everyone loves. With endless variations and make-ahead options, it’s a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.