Delicious & Easy Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Family Pasta Bake
Craving the satisfying flavors of your favorite pizza combined with the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta dish? Look no further! This easy sausage and pepperoni pizza casserole is the ultimate solution for a delicious, family-friendly meal. Topped with an irresistible layer of melty, bubbly cheese and baked to perfection, it brings together all the classic tastes you love in a convenient, customizable casserole. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this pasta bake promises to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.
Why This Recipe Works: A Fusion of Flavor and Convenience
This loaded sausage and pepperoni pizza casserole isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary clever hack that combines the very best of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and pasta. Imagine the robust, savory punch of your favorite pizza toppings—spicy sausage and salty pepperoni—mingling with tender spiral pasta, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce and crowned with gooey, melted cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that makes weeknight dinners exciting and incredibly satisfying.
What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its simplicity and adaptability. You’re not spending hours in the kitchen; the process is straightforward, requiring only a few extra steps compared to making a basic pasta with marinara. The main “heavy lifting” involves browning the sausage and then allowing the oven to do the rest, transforming simple ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. This ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy individuals and families who crave homemade goodness without the fuss.
Beyond its effortless nature, this pizza casserole shines with its inherent versatility. While sausage and pepperoni offer a classic combination, the beauty of a casserole lies in its flexibility. Feel free to unleash your inner chef and experiment with your favorite pizza toppings. Craving some vegetables? Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions can be easily incorporated, adding layers of flavor and nutrition. A quick sauté ensures they are tender and integrated beautifully into the bake. This lenient approach to ingredients means you can truly make this dish your own, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences within your household.
This recipe works because it delivers big on flavor, minimal on effort, and maximum on customization, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and hassle-free meal any day of the week.
Key Ingredients for Your Pizza Casserole Delight
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible pizza casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust and comforting flavors that define this dish. Below is a list of what you’ll need to get started. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card available at the conclusion of this article.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Swaps
Understanding your ingredients and knowing when and how to substitute can elevate your cooking experience. Here’s a deeper dive into the components of our pizza casserole and suggestions for making it your own:
PASTA – For this recipe, I opted for rotini pasta, and I highly recommend it. Its signature spiral shape is absolutely perfect for “grabbing” and holding onto the rich marinara sauce and bits of sausage and pepperoni, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. However, the world of pasta offers many alternatives that would work wonderfully. Penne, rigatoni, ziti, or even mostaccioli are excellent choices, offering different textures and mouthfeels while still providing ample surface area for the sauce to cling to. Remember to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven and you want to avoid a mushy texture.
SAUSAGE – Italian sausage is a flavor powerhouse in this casserole, bringing a depth of savory, often slightly spicy, notes that truly elevate the dish. You can choose mild or hot Italian sausage based on your preference for heat. If you’re not a big fan of sausage, don’t fret! This recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can easily substitute it with ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. If using ground beef, consider seasoning it with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic some of the Italian sausage flavor. Homemade pizza sausage is another fantastic option if you enjoy making things from scratch and want to control the exact spice blend.
SAUCE – The marinara sauce forms the delicious base of our pizza casserole. A good quality jarred marinara sauce is perfectly acceptable and a fantastic time-saver for busy days. Look for one with minimal added sugar and robust tomato flavor. If you’re inclined to create your own, I enthusiastically recommend my homemade marinara sauce. Making your own allows you to control the freshness and depth of flavor, adding extra garlic, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick. Feel free to use your family’s favorite, whether store-bought or from your own recipe book.
CHEESE – This casserole calls for two types of cheese: shredded Parmesan for its sharp, salty flavor and shredded mozzarella for its incredible melt and stretch. The Parmesan is mixed into the pasta, infusing it with a foundational cheesy goodness, while the mozzarella blankets the top, creating that iconic bubbly, golden-brown crust we all love. For best results, consider shredding your own mozzarella from a block, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality. Other cheeses like provolone, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even a touch of cheddar can also be layered in for different flavor profiles.
PEPPERONI – What’s pizza without pepperoni? These savory, slightly spicy slices add a critical element of classic pizza flavor. We’ll divide them, mixing half into the casserole for internal flavor bursts and arranging the other half on top for that perfectly crispy, curled finish. For a lighter alternative, turkey pepperoni can be used. Experiment with different brands to find your preferred level of crispiness and spice.
OPTIONAL ADD-INS – This is where you can truly personalize your pizza casserole. Consider adding finely diced bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), sliced white or red onions, earthy mushrooms, or briny black olives. If adding fresh vegetables, I highly recommend giving them a quick sauté in the skillet before combining them with the other ingredients. This ensures they soften up and release their flavors without making your casserole watery. Crumbled cooked bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of fresh basil before baking can also introduce wonderful new dimensions.
Crafting Your Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- First things first, preheat your oven to a comforting 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your casserole to perfection as soon as you’re done assembling.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This typically means it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the large pot.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent your casserole from becoming oily.
- Add the cooked sausage and the marinara sauce to the pot with the drained pasta. Stir everything well until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce and sausage. Then, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and approximately half of the sliced pepperoni. This ensures pockets of cheesy, meaty flavor throughout the casserole.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly to form a consistent layer.
- Generously top the pasta mixture with the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring good coverage for that perfect cheesy crust. Then, artfully arrange the remaining half of the pepperoni slices over the mozzarella. This top layer of pepperoni will get deliciously crispy as it bakes.
- Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. For an extra golden finish, you can switch to broiler for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes for easier, cleaner scoops. Enjoy your homemade pizza casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! This casserole is incredibly versatile and welcomes a variety of additions. You can easily incorporate chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or sliced black olives or green olives. For an extra savory kick, crumbled cooked bacon or even small meatballs would be fantastic. If you’re adding fresh vegetables, I highly recommend giving them a quick sauté in a skillet before combining them with the other ingredients. This step ensures they are nice and tender when the casserole comes out of the oven, preventing a raw or crunchy texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings!
Yes, this pizza casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep. You have a few options:
- Assemble and Refrigerate: You can prepare the entire casserole (cook pasta and sausage, mix with sauce and half pepperoni, spread into dish, top with mozzarella and remaining pepperoni) and then cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for it being chilled, ensuring it’s heated through and bubbly.
- Component Prep: Cook both the sausage and pasta, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator a day or two in advance. This makes assembly on the day of cooking even quicker. If you cook the pasta ahead of time, I suggest undercooking it slightly (about half the time recommended on the package) and tossing it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. This prevents it from getting mushy when it bakes in the casserole.
Storing leftovers is simple. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave for individual servings until heated through. For larger portions or to reheat the entire casserole, place it back in the oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until warmed through and bubbly. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or a thin layer of extra marinara sauce before reheating to help remoisten it.
Absolutely! Pizza casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for future meals.
- To Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, potentially adding 10-20 minutes to the baking time if it’s still very cold.
- To Freeze Baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. You can freeze it whole, covered well, or portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the microwave or oven until hot.
A standard 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, yielding a good number of servings perfect for a family meal or gathering. You can use glass, ceramic, or metal. If using a deeper dish, ensure the pasta mixture is not too thick, as it might affect baking time. Always lightly grease your dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Pizza Casserole
This sausage and pepperoni pizza casserole is a substantial and satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can truly complete the dining experience. For a balanced meal, consider serving it with a crisp, refreshing dinner salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad would provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the casserole. Warm, crusty baked bread, such as a fresh baguette, or specialty items like our gooey garlic cheese rolls or savory garlic knots, are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. If you’re looking for another vegetable side, some steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple roasted vegetable medley would also be delicious. For drinks, iced tea, soda, or a light-bodied red wine would complement the flavors beautifully. Enjoy!
Discover More Irresistible Pizza-Inspired Recipes
If you love the flavors of pizza as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of creative and delicious pizza-inspired dishes that are perfect for snacks, appetizers, or unique twists on dinner. Be sure to check out these other favorites:
- Pizza Dip: A warm, cheesy dip packed with pizza flavors, perfect for parties.
- Pizza Sliders: Easy and addictive mini sandwiches, great for a quick lunch or appetizer.
- Pizza Poppers: Bite-sized pockets of pizza goodness, ideal for kids and adults alike.
- Pizza Pinwheels: Elegant and flavorful, these are fantastic for entertaining or a fun snack.
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta about 3 cups
- 1 pound Italian sausage or pizza sausage
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Things You’ll Need
-
Large skillet
-
13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin
- The sausage adds a ton of flavor to this casserole, but if you aren’t a huge sausage fan then feel free to omit it or substitute it with ground beef.
- I used rotini pasta because I think the spirals are perfect for grabbing and holding sauce. Ziti would work well too as would mostaccioli.
- Your favorite jarred marinara sauce works perfectly well here. If you’d like to make your own, I highly suggest my homemade marinara sauce!
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
-
Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain. Return the pasta to the pot.8 ounces rotini pasta
-
Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage; drain.1 pound Italian sausage
-
Add the sausage and marinara sauce to the pasta and stir to combine. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.4 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
-
Spread pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan. Top with the mozzarella cheese. Arrange remaining half of pepperoni slices over top. Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store leftover pizza casserole in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to help remoisten if needed.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to your marinara sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd your casserole dish. Ensure there’s enough space for the cheese to bubble up without spilling over.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce and cheese set, making it easier to serve clean portions.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on July 23, 2013 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.