I remember the first time I made pizza pasta casserole, it felt like the best of both worlds. The pasta was cheesy, the sauce was rich, and the toppings made it taste just like pizza. It was warm, filling, and so fun to eat.
I know you want dinners that everyone at the table will love. This casserole is easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving comfort food.
You might think casseroles take forever, but not this one. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that’s hearty and delicious.
So, let’s make pizza pasta casserole together and enjoy a meal that’s fun and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: A dish that satisfies both pizza and pasta cravings in one bite.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with pasta, beef, sauce, and cheese for a complete meal.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust with different toppings, veggies, or meats.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
- Family Favorite: Both kids and adults enjoy this cheesy casserole.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings:
This recipe makes about 8 servings, ideal for a family dinner or small gathering.
Difficulty:
Easy — simple steps that beginner cooks can follow, with results that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for browning beef
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients for Pizza Pasta Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this hearty casserole (exact amounts are in the recipe card at the end):
- Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape holds onto sauce and cheese perfectly.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base and savory flavor.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: Add depth and a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the taste of all ingredients.
- Pepperoni: Brings that iconic pizza flavor—some chopped for the mix, some whole slices for the topping.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and a fresh, slightly sweet taste.
- Onion: Balances the richness of the beef and sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: The main sauce component—choose a high-quality jarred or homemade version.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully into stretchy, gooey layers.
Variations for Pizza Pasta Casserole
- Switch the Protein: Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or chicken instead of beef.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, olives, or spinach can add more nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in provolone, cheddar, or parmesan for more cheesy depth.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sauce and pepperoni are gluten-free.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the Meat
Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix well so the beef absorbs the flavors.
4. Add the Veggies
Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Combine with Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
6. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, beef-sauce mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir to coat everything evenly. Top with the remaining cheese and arrange whole pepperoni slices on top.
7. Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
Serving and Decoration
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving for color and freshness.
- Side Pairings: This casserole pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Kid-Friendly Tip: Let kids pick their own toppings like olives or mushrooms and add them before baking.
Storing Pizza Pasta Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly with foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil at 350°F until hot.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking prevents mushy pasta after baking.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning beef, drain fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Balance the Sauce: If your marinara is too acidic, stir in a teaspoon of sugar.
- Even Cheese Melt: Layer cheese in the middle and on top for gooey bites throughout.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (1/8 casserole) | ~420 |
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Course: Uncategorized8
servings20
minutes30
minutes420
kcalIngredients
1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 (6 oz) package pepperoni, chopped (reserve 20 slices for topping)
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
1 small onion, finely diced
36 oz marinara sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups for casserole, 1 cup for topping)
Directions
- Cook rotini pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain fat.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
- Mix in marinara sauce and chopped pepperoni. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9×13-inch dish, layer pasta, beef mixture, and 2 cups mozzarella. Stir to combine.
- Top with 1 cup mozzarella and arrange reserved pepperoni slices.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.
Pizza Pasta Casserole FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Pizza Pasta Casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
What other cheeses work well?
Provolone, cheddar, or parmesan can be added for more flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the beef and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Conclusion
Pizza Pasta Casserole is a reliable, comforting dish that blends the best parts of pizza and pasta into one satisfying meal. With its cheesy layers, savory beef, and classic pepperoni topping, it’s a recipe worth keeping on rotation for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Its flexibility makes it easy to adapt with different proteins or veggies, ensuring it never gets old.
