Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

There is something utterly comforting and irresistible about a cheesy, saucy bake that combines all your favorite Italian flavors into one dish, and that’s exactly what this Pizza Pasta Casserole delivers. Imagine penne pasta enveloped in a rich and savory meat sauce spiced with oregano and basil, bubbling under layers of mozzarella and pepperoni, giving you the very best of pizza and pasta rolled into one crowd-pleasing casserole. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, feeding a hungry family, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Let me walk you through all the delicious details and show you how simple it is to create this absolute winner in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pizza Pasta Casserole lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a special role in delivering that signature combination of texture, flavor, and vibrant color, making the final dish both satisfying and eye-catching.

• ½ lb lean ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein with a lean balance for less grease.
• ½ lb ground Italian sausage: Brings savory, spiced meatiness that complements the beef perfectly.
• ½ large yellow onion (chopped): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft.
• 1 green bell pepper: Offers a fresh, slightly crisp bite and a pop of green color.
• ½ cup beef broth: Enhances the meat’s juiciness and helps deglaze the pan for flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses pungent aroma and that irresistible Italian essence.
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami complexity and a hint of tang.
• 1 tsp hot sauce: Delivers just the right amount of gentle heat to wake up the taste buds.
• 2 tsp dried basil: Brings herby fragrance essential to Italian dishes.
• 2 tsp dried oregano: Adds earthiness and is fundamental in pizza seasoning.
• 2 tsp paprika powder: A smoky, slightly sweet note that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
• A pinch red pepper flakes: Kicks in subtle spiciness to balance richness.
• 32 oz jar marinara sauce: The saucy base that ties everything together with tomato goodness.
• 1 cup pizza sauce: Intensifies that pizza vibe with classic tomato and herb flavors.
• ¾ lb penne pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold sauce and cheese with every bite.
• ¼ cup Parmesan (grated): Adds nutty sharpness and melts into the sauce for richness.
• 2 ½ cups mozzarella (shredded): The melty, gooey topping that makes this casserole utterly dreamy.
• 20 slices pepperoni: The classic pizza topping that crisps up beautifully on top.
• Parmesan (grated): For garnish to finish with an extra boost of flavor.
• Parsley (chopped): Adds fresh color and a hint of brightness before serving.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 380°F and greasing a 9×13 casserole dish so your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick. Meanwhile, bring a large, well-salted pot of water to a boil — this is key to seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions but cook it just one minute less to keep it al dente; this helps it hold its shape when baked.

Step 2: Brown the Meats and Vegetables

While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion, cooking everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the meat just starts to brown and onions soften. Toss in the diced green bell pepper and let it cook for another 5 minutes to develop sweetness and tender texture. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pan—this keeps your casserole from getting too greasy.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Pour the beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—that’s flavor gold. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook it for about a minute to let the spices bloom. Then, pour in the marinara and pizza sauce, stirring well to coat all the meat evenly. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Combine with Cheese and Pasta

Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce mixture, enriching the sauce with its nutty sharpness. By now, your penne pasta should be ready—drain it and immediately add it to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the luscious meat sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Pizza Pasta Casserole

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Spray a piece of foil with oil and cover the dish loosely with the foil to keep the cheese from sticking. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Give It a Golden Finish

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned a gorgeous golden color. Once done, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for a final burst of flavor and color before serving.

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbal note and a beautiful touch of green that contrasts perfectly with the golden cheese. A final dusting of Parmesan will bring an extra layer of saltiness and a sharp finish that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

This hearty Pizza Pasta Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheese and meaty sauce. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a fantastic side to sop up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins topped with miniature pepperoni slices and bake until bubbly. Alternatively, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for those who love a little extra heat, or add sliced black olives before baking to complement the savory flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Pizza Pasta Casserole, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, so you’ll have a delicious meal waiting whenever you’re ready.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead of time or save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet; wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for a few minutes, just be sure to cover the dish to avoid splatters and retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for the Pizza Pasta Casserole?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully for holding just the right amount of sauce, rigatoni, rotini, or even ziti would also be great choices. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up nicely during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for plant-based meat substitutes or a combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant to keep the hearty texture and flavors intact.

Can I prepare the meat sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to assemble the casserole, reheat the sauce gently before mixing with the pasta and baking.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce on hand?

No worries! You can use additional marinara sauce and add a pinch of extra Italian herbs like oregano and basil to mimic pizza sauce flavors. The casserole will still be delicious and full of that classic Italian charm.

How spicy is this Pizza Pasta Casserole?

The recipe uses just a teaspoon of hot sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes, giving it a gentle warmth that balances the richness without overpowering. Feel free to adjust these amounts for a milder or spicier dish depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Pizza Pasta Casserole is a total game changer for weeknight dinners and special family meals. It’s got that perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and cheesy satisfaction that everyone will rave about. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again — a true crowd-pleaser that turns any dinner into a celebration of your favorite Italian favorites all baked into one luscious dish.

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