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Golden pizza casserole with melted cheese and pepperoni, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, on a rustic baking dish.

Ultimate Pizza Casserole – A Cheesy & Hearty Family Favorite


  • Author: Erin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

If you love pizza but want something extra comforting, this Ultimate Pizza Casserole is for you! 🍕✨ Layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings make this the ultimate weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, this dish is perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a cozy dinner at home. Dig in and enjoy all the flavors of pizza in one delicious casserole! 😍


Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce & Layers:

  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings: bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, etc.)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the rotini or penne pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat & Sauce

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper, then pour in the marinara sauce and drained diced tomatoes.
  4. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In the baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta as the first layer.
  3. Pour half of the meat sauce evenly over the pasta.
  4. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and another layer of cheese.
  6. Arrange pepperoni slices (or other toppings) on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy! 🍕💛

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
  • This casserole can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Sugar: ~8g
  • Sodium: ~900mg
  • Fat: ~22g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fiber: ~4g
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Cholesterol: ~50mg

Keywords: Pizza Casserole, Easy Casserole Recipe, Cheesy Pasta Bake, Family Dinner, Weeknight Dinner