Name: Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ lb lean ground beef; ½ lb ground Italian sausage; 20 slices pepperoni; ½ large yellow onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup beef broth; 32 oz jar marinara sauce; 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp hot sauce; 2 tsp dried basil; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp paprika powder; A pinch of red pepper flakes; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; Extra Parmesan for garnish; ¾ lb penne pasta; Parsley, chopped, for garnish

If you love the comforting vibes of pasta and the irresistible flavors of pizza, then you are in for a treat with this Pizza Pasta Casserole. This dish brilliantly combines hearty penne pasta with a zesty, meaty sauce and a blanket of gooey mozzarella and pepperoni on top. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering the best of both worlds in every delicious bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe because it’s that joyful and satisfying comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple and straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Pizza Pasta Casserole. From savory meats to fragrant herbs and rich cheeses, everything comes together beautifully.

½ lb lean ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and a hearty texture.
½ lb ground Italian sausage: Adds a delicious spice that elevates the sauce.
½ large yellow onion (chopped): Gives sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
1 green bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
½ cup beef broth: Enhances moisture and infuses extra savory notes.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic flavor essential to the sauce.
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle umami punch.
1 tsp hot sauce: Adds just the right amount of kick.
2 tsp dried basil: A classic herb that complements tomato and meats.
2 tsp dried oregano: Key Italian seasoning for authentic flavor.
2 tsp paprika powder: Adds warmth and beautiful color.
A pinch red pepper flakes: For that extra touch of heat.
32 oz jar marinara sauce: The tomato base tying everything together.
1 cup pizza sauce: Amplifies the pizza flavor in the casserole.
¾ lb penne pasta: Perfect pasta shape to hold all those tasty sauces.
¼ cup Parmesan (grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor with a bit of bite.
2 ½ cups mozzarella (shredded): Creates that irresistible gooey, melty layer on top.
20 slices pepperoni: Classic pizza topping to crown the casserole.
Parmesan (grated) and parsley (chopped): For garnish and freshness when serving.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 380°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Meanwhile, get a large pot of salted water boiling to cook the penne pasta. Cooking the pasta just one minute shy of the package instructions ensures it stays perfectly al dente once baked.

Step 2: Brown the Meats and Veggies

While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onions; cook them together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the meat begins to brown. Then toss in the green bell peppers and keep cooking for another 5 minutes until everything is nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease from the pan for a cleaner dish.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan — that’s pure flavor! Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook the mixture for about a minute to wake up those spices.

Step 4: Simmer with Sauces

Add both the marinara and pizza sauce to the skillet, stirring well to coat all the meat and veggies. Turn the heat down and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry those robust flavors.

Step 5: Cheese and Combine

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to thicken and enrich the sauce. Once your pasta is done cooking and drained, fold it into the skillet ensuring every piece is well coated.

Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza Pasta Casserole

Transfer this hearty mixture to your prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly. Next, shower the top generously with shredded mozzarella and neatly arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil sprayed with oil — this trick prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil while baking. Pop it into the oven for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley on top just before serving to add freshness and a lovely finishing touch.

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the rich, cheesy casserole with a hint of herbal freshness. Sometimes, a dash of crushed red pepper can bring playful heat, too.

Side Dishes

This pizza pasta casserole is a filling dish, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread can create a perfectly balanced meal. The freshness of the salad or the crunch of the bread complements the rich and cheesy casserole beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Pizza Pasta Casserole straight from the baking dish family-style for that cozy, homey feel. For a special occasion, scoop portions into individual ramekins garnished with parsley or basil leaves for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Pizza Pasta Casserole store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making second servings even tastier.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, too! To save for later, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by covering them with foil and warming in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. If short on time, the microwave works well for a quicker option, though the oven is best for preserving that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Pizza Pasta Casserole?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding sauce and mix-ins, rigatoni, rotini, or ziti also work well if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef and sausage for plant-based meat alternatives or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini to keep that hearty texture intact.

What if I don’t have pizza sauce?

No worries. You can increase the marinara sauce slightly or stir in some tomato paste with Italian seasonings to mimic pizza sauce flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely. The meat sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated — it often tastes even better when the flavors have time to meld.

How spicy is this Pizza Pasta Casserole?

It has a mild kick thanks to the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust those amounts to suit your preferred heat level.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Pasta Casserole is one of those magical dishes that brings the family around the table with smiles and full plates. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for guests, combining all the flavors you love into one satisfying bake. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s truly a recipe you’ll want to keep close to your heart.

Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

This Pizza Pasta Casserole blends rich Italian flavors with hearty pasta and cheesy goodness, creating a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Ground beef, Italian sausage, and a medley of seasonings simmer in marinara and pizza sauce, layered with penne pasta, mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible casserole.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

½ lb lean ground beef
½ lb ground Italian sausage
20 slices pepperoni

Vegetables & Aromatics

½ large yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

½ cup beef broth
32 oz jar marinara sauce
1 cup pizza sauce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce

Dry Herbs & Spices

2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp paprika powder
A pinch of red pepper flakes

Dairy

¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Extra Parmesan for garnish

Pasta & Garnish

¾ lb penne pasta
Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil to cook the penne pasta.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Add the penne pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute so it remains al dente, ensuring it retains firmness during baking.
Cook Meats and Onion: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat starts to brown and onion softens.
Add Bell Peppers: Incorporate the diced green bell pepper into the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly browned. Drain excess grease from the pan to avoid a greasy casserole.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the pan’s bottom to enhance flavor. Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute to release the aromas.
Simmer with Sauces: Add the marinara sauce and pizza sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the meat mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce mixture to add a rich, savory depth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the meat sauce mixture.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly on top, then arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray a piece of aluminum foil with cooking oil to prevent sticking, then cover the casserole dish with this foil to avoid cheese sticking during baking.
Bake Covered: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Pizza Pasta Casserole.

Notes

Cooking pasta 1 minute less than package instructions helps it hold texture after baking.
Draining excess fat from cooked meat prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
Oiling the underside of the foil helps prevent cheese sticking and tearing when removing.
You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option if preferred.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier casserole.
Feel free to add sliced mushrooms or olives for additional flavor and texture.