This Pizza Casserole is going to be your family’s new favorite dinner. It has all the great taste of pizza in a casserole that can feed a crowd.
If you are a fan of my one-pot pizza casserole, you are going to love this oven version. You can make it the night before and then pop it in the oven for 25 minutes when you get home from work. Its cheesy pasta goodness will warm you from the inside out.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Here is a brief overview of how this pizza casserole with pasta comes together. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including all ingredients and their measurements.
Cook the Pasta
Boil for two minutes less than the suggested time on the box, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage
When it is completely broken up and beginning to brown, add the green bell pepper and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the peppers have begun to soften.
Combine Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
Top and Bake
Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, black olives, and Parmesan. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional five minutes. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Switch up the toppings: Just like any homemade pizza, you can customize this pizza casserole to be made with your family’s favorite pizza toppings. You can add green olives, mushrooms, or onion, or leave out the veggies altogether. If your family doesn’t eat or like pork, you can swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or ground beef.
- Use a different pasta: Penne pasta works great in this casserole, but you can use any small or medium-sized noodle. Shells, ziti, or rotini would all work great if that’s what you have on hand.
- Make ahead: Put the casserole together (don’t bake it) and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator up to one day, then remove the plastic wrap, add the shredded cheese, and bake according to the recipe.
- Freezing pizza casserole: To freeze this pizza pasta recipe, put the casserole together in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and place in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake it for about 30 minutes.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Pizza Casserole
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Always use your best discretion when eating leftovers.
What to Serve with Pizza Casserole
- Garlic Bread: My kids can never get enough of this recipe.
- Chopped Salad: Add some more veggies to this meal with this simple salad.
- Green Beans Almondine: These come together fast while your casserole bakes.
If you make this easy pizza casserole recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear what you think!
Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta (453.6 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed (453.6 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 ounces marinara sauce or pizza sauce (680 grams)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella divided (10 ounces or 282.5 grams)
- 1 1/2 ounces pepperoni (42.5 grams)
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (35 grams)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan (25 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a roaring boil. Season with salt and add the penne pasta, boiling for less than 2 minutes of the suggested cooking time. For example, if the box suggests boiling for 10 minutes, boil for 8 minutes.16 ounces penne pasta, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as you cook. When it is completely broken up and beginning to brown, add the green pepper and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the peppers have begun to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the excess grease.1 pound Italian sausage, 2 cloves garlic, 1 green pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage mixture, marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese. Pour into the prepared baking dish.24 ounces marinara sauce, 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Top with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella, pepperoni, black olives, and Parmesan.2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 1/2 ounces pepperoni, 1/4 cup sliced olives, 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
- Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.
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