Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of two beloved dishes into one hearty, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering layers of savory meat, rich sauces, and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

• ½ lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage (or turkey sausage for milder flavor)
• ½ large yellow onion, chopped (or red/white onion, onion flakes or powder)
• 1 green bell pepper (or red, yellow, or orange bell pepper)
• ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable or chicken broth)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder/flakes)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (can substitute soy sauce or coconut aminos)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional for spice)
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp paprika powder (or smoked paprika/chipotle powder for smokiness)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 32 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce/canned tomatoes)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (keep either marinara or pizza sauce for best flavor)
• ¾ lb penne pasta (or fusilli, rigatoni)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino, Asiago)
• 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, provolone)
• 20 slices pepperoni (optional; skip or substitute with bacon bits, ham, or more vegetables for plant-based)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 380°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions, but drain it one minute before fully done.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes until the meat browns. Drain excess grease from the pan.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a spatula to capture all flavors.
5. Step 5: Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
6. Step 6: Cook and combine well for a couple of minutes.
7. Step 7: Add the marinara and pizza sauces, stirring to blend thoroughly.
8. Step 8: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir well to incorporate.
10. Step 10: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, stirring everything together to combine evenly.
11. Step 11: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top evenly.
13. Step 13: Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
14. Step 14: Spray a piece of foil with oil to prevent sticking, then cover the casserole dish with the foil. Bake for 10 minutes.
15. Step 15: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
16. Step 16: Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and pepperoni, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
• Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
• If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or coconut aminos can add umami but may change the dish’s flavor slightly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole fully assembled and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Adjust baking time slightly if baking from cold.

What can I use if I don’t have pizza sauce?

You can substitute with marinara or homemade tomato sauce. Using one of these alongside marinara will still give you the delicious pizza flavor.

Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 113 reviews

This hearty and flavorful Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of both worlds—pasta and pizza—into one comforting baked dish. Ground meats, vibrant bell peppers, savory sauces, and gooey cheese come together in a delicious casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Topped with pepperoni and melted mozzarella, this robust recipe offers a satisfying and cheesy experience reminiscent of your favorite pizzeria.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• ½ lb lean ground beef
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage
• ½ large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 32 oz jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup pizza sauce

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp paprika powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Pasta and Cheese

• ¾ lb penne pasta
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Toppings and Garnish

• 20 slices pepperoni
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions, but drain it one minute before al dente.
2. Cook Meat and Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped yellow onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat starts to brown.
3. Add Bell Peppers: Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the meat is fully browned and vegetables softened. Drain excess grease from the pan to reduce fat.
4. Add Broth and Deglaze: Pour in ½ cup of beef broth and use a spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—it adds rich flavor to the dish.
5. Stir in Aromatics and Spices: Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), dried basil, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes to let flavors meld.
6. Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and pizza sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce with a nutty taste and creamy texture.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta if not done yet, and add it directly to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful meat sauce mixture.
9. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to level the surface.
10. Add Mozzarella and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Place the 20 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese layer for a classic pizza flavor boost.
11. Cover and Bake: Spray a piece of foil with cooking oil to prevent sticking and cover the casserole dish tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
12. Bake Until Golden: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
13. Garnish and Serve: Remove casserole from the oven and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
• For a spicier casserole, use spicy Italian sausage and keep the hot sauce and red pepper flakes; omit for milder flavor.
• If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder or flakes work well in a pinch.
• Using a combination of marinara and pizza sauce intensifies the pizza flavor; you can adjust ratios to your liking.
• Other tubular pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli can be used instead of penne.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the meats and pepperoni and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Covering the casserole with sprayed foil prevents cheese from sticking and helps maintain moisture.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.

Keywords: pizza pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, Italian casserole, pepperoni pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole