Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of classic pizza into an easy-to-make baked pasta. It features tender pasta, a rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and plenty of pepperoni, making it a perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sliced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
For Topping:
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup sliced pepperoni
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and saute for 2 minutes until soft.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes).
Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Make the Sauce
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
Stir in ½ cup sliced pepperoni and black olives (if using).
Simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.Sprinkle ½ cup Parmesan cheese over the top.Layer with ½ cup shredded mozzarella and arrange extra pepperoni slices on top.
5. Bake the Casserole
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 860mg
Notes & Tips
Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and turkey sausage instead of beef.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes from frozen.