Craving the flavors of pizza but want something a bit more cozy and comforting? This pepperoni pizza casserole brings all your favorite pizza toppings into a hearty, bubbling dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
Unlike traditional pizza, this casserole requires no dough-making or rolling – just layer, bake, and enjoy. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want those classic Italian flavors without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This
- No pizza dough skills required – perfect for beginners
- Can be assembled ahead and baked when needed
- Kids absolutely love it
- Easier to serve and portion than regular pizza
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Ingredients
- 12 oz Rotini
- 24 oz Pizza sauce
- 1 cup Diced pepperoni
- ½ cup Whole pepperoni
- 2 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside
- Brown sausage with onions and peppers until meat is cooked through
- Combine pasta, meat mixture, marinara sauce, and half the cheese
- Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese and pepperoni
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage
- Add mushrooms, olives, or any other favorite pizza toppings
- Use a mix of cheeses like provolone and mozzarella
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and turkey pepperoni
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread on the side. A sprinkle of fresh basil and red pepper flakes adds a nice finishing touch. For extra indulgence, offer some warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container
- Allow casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes for easier serving
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
- Can I use different pasta shapes? Absolutely! Any medium-sized pasta works well, like penne or fusilli.
- How do I know when it’s done? The cheese should be completely melted and golden brown, with bubbling around the edges.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the meats and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Servings4
Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Calories—
Ingredients
- 12 oz Rotini
- 24 oz Pizza sauce
- 1 cup Diced pepperoni
- ½ cup Whole pepperoni
- 2 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Oregano, dried
Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside
- Brown sausage with onions and peppers until meat is cooked through
- Combine pasta, meat mixture, marinara sauce, and half the cheese
- Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese and pepperoni
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
- Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container
- Allow casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes for easier serving
