Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that cleverly combines two beloved favorites, look no further than this Pizza Pasta Casserole. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked penne pasta, rich Italian sausage and beef, a medley of herbs and spices mingling in savory marinara and pizza sauces, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella and pepperoni slices baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is comfort food at its absolute finest, effortlessly merging the flavors of a classic pizza with the satisfying texture of a baked pasta, making every bite feel like a warm hug from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and familiar, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the rich, layered flavors and textures that make the Pizza Pasta Casserole so irresistible. From fresh vegetables to aromatic herbs and cheeses, every element comes together harmoniously to deliver that authentic pizza taste in casserole form.

• ½ lb lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, juicy base with a mild beefy flavor.
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage: Adds spicy, savory depth with traditional Italian seasonings.
• ½ large yellow onion (chopped): Imparts sweetness and a slight crunch when cooked properly.
• 1 green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that balances the richness.
• ½ cup beef broth: Enhances the meat mixture and keeps it moist and flavorful.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses bold aroma and pungent flavor essential to Italian dishes.
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Offers subtle umami and depth to the meat sauce.
• 1 tsp hot sauce: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the overall flavor.
• 2 tsp dried basil: Brings in sweet herbal notes characteristic of Italian cuisine.
• 2 tsp dried oregano: Enhances the pizza flavor with its peppery, slightly bitter tone.
• 2 tsp paprika powder: Adds a smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
• A pinch red pepper flakes: Provides a touch of heat for flavor complexity.
• 32 oz jar marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that ties all ingredients together.
• 1 cup pizza sauce: Intensifies the pizza flavor while keeping the sauce thick and hearty.
• ¾ lb penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold sauce and mix easily with all ingredients.
• ¼ cup Parmesan (grated): Offers a salty, nutty sharpness that brightens the dish.
• 2 ½ cups mozzarella (shredded): Melts beautifully to create a luscious, gooey topping.
• 20 slices pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that adds spice and texture on top.
• Parmesan (grated): For finishing touches and extra cheesiness.
• Parsley (chopped): Adds fresh color and a mild herbal note as a garnish.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 380°F and greasing a 9×13 casserole dish so the pizza pasta casserole won’t stick later. Then bring a large pot of salted water to a boil — salting is essential to season the pasta inside and out. Cook the penne pasta very slightly under the recommended time, just one minute less so the noodles remain al dente and don’t get mushy during baking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Let them cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat starts to brown and the onions soften. Then toss in the diced green bell pepper and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. Drain the excess grease from the skillet to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck on the pan’s bottom—that’s where intense flavor hides! Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. This spice blend is what sets the Pizza Pasta Casserole apart with an authentic Italian pizzazz.

Step 4: Add Sauces and Cheese

Now pour in the marinara and pizza sauce, stirring to fully coat the meat and vegetable mixture. Turn the heat down low and allow everything to simmer gently for about five minutes — this lets the flavors marry and the sauce thicken nicely. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to lend an extra layer of savory richness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Drain your pasta well once it’s ready, then add it directly to the skillet with your saucy meat mixture. Stir until all the penne is well coated with the flavorful sauce. This ensures every bite is perfectly balanced with pasta and the rich pizza-inspired mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza Pasta Casserole

Transfer everything into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top and arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese. For an easy cleanup and to prevent the cheese from sticking, spray a piece of foil with cooking oil and cover the dish with it.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the covered casserole in the oven for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove the foil and continue baking another 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top turns beautifully golden and bubbly. This final bake brings that irresistible pizza finish right to your table.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the hot casserole for a vibrant finish that’s bursting with aroma and color. Your Pizza Pasta Casserole is now perfectly ready to impress everyone around your dining table!

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole

Garnishes

To elevate your Pizza Pasta Casserole even further, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh herbal pop and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese to boost the cheesy, salty goodness. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few red pepper flakes sprinkled on top can add an extra flavor kick for adventurous eaters.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce, or roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus to add a healthful contrast to the rich main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Pizza Pasta Casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look charming and inviting. You can also top each serving with a fresh basil leaf or a small drizzle of pesto for a gourmet touch that will wow your guests and transform this homey classic into something extraordinary.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pizza Pasta Casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve freshness, and the flavors will deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this tasty dish later, freeze it in a suitable airtight container before baking or after cooking and cooling completely. Frozen Pizza Pasta Casserole can last up to 2 months, making it the perfect ready-made meal for busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to bring back that freshly baked texture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, covered with a microwave-safe lid, stirring halfway through to warm evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Pizza Pasta Casserole?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds sauce well, other pasta varieties like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times to keep them al dente before baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap both meats with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. You might want to add extra seasonings to keep bold flavors front and center.

Can I prepare the Pizza Pasta Casserole entirely ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, pop it into the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe. This is a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

What type of cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella is perfect for its meltiness and mild flavor, but feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar for a unique twist. Just remember that a blend of cheeses enhances flavor complexity.

How spicy is the Pizza Pasta Casserole?

The heat level is mild by default, thanks to just a teaspoon of hot sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust these amounts depending on your preference for a little more or less spiciness.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Pasta Casserole has quickly become one of my all-time favorite dishes to make and share. It hits all the right notes with its comforting layers of melted cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s an easy way to bring that irresistible pizza spirit into a cozy, baked pasta dinner everyone will love!

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