If you’re craving all the flavors of a classic pizza but want an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, this Pizza Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines tender pasta, savory ground beef and sausage, vibrant vegetables, and plenty of melty cheese and pepperoni for a one-pan feast that hits all the delicious notes of pizza in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe offers a hearty, cheesy, and downright irresistible meal that’s simple to prepare and bound to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pizza Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory, cheesy, and veggie-packed goodness.
- Rotini pasta (3 ½ cups): The spiral shape holds onto the sauce perfectly for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- Ground beef (½ pound): Adds rich, meaty depth essential for that hearty pizza vibe.
- Italian sausage (½ pound): Choose hot or mild to tailor the spice level; it brings a lovely seasoning punch.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Aromatic and savory, it lifts the meat and veggies beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper (½ teaspoon each): Simple seasonings to enhance every flavor without overpowering.
- Chopped onion (½ onion): Adds a sweet and savory base when sautéed.
- Shredded carrots (¼ cup): A subtle sweetness and healthy crunch, hiding in plain sight.
- Chopped green bell pepper (½ cup): Offers freshness and bright color throughout the dish.
- Sliced mushrooms (4 ounces, optional): Earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements the sausage and beef.
- Pizza sauce (28 ounces, about 2 jars): The heart of the dish, bringing classic tomato richness and herbs.
- Shredded Colby jack cheese (1 cup): Melts wonderfully to form that irresistible gooey top layer.
- Pepperoni slices (½ cup): The definitive pizza topping that delivers a satisfying spicy-salty crunch.
How to Make Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. This simple step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini pasta for just one minute less than the package instructions. This slight undercook is key so that the pasta doesn’t get mushy when baked inside the casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Meats
While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook them until there’s no pink left—about 5 to 7 minutes—then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that signature pizza meat flavor.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Drain excess fat from the pan, leaving just a bit to sauté your chopped onions, shredded carrots, and green peppers until tender, around 5 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness and softens the veggies, blending perfectly with the meat and pasta.
Step 5: Combine and Mix
Add the browned meat back to the pan with the sautéed vegetables, stir in mushrooms if you’re using them, and then mix in the cooked pasta and pizza sauce. Toss everything together until each rotini is coated with savory sauce and studded with flavorful bits.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with shredded Colby jack cheese and scatter the pepperoni slices over the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is beautifully melted and golden.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pizza Casserole Recipe, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or oregano over the top right after baking. A little cracked red pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can add a burst of freshness and a touch of luxury.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to sop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Light steamed veggies or a simple cucumber salad round out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try assembling the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. Alternatively, layer it with extra cheese on top for a thick, bubbly crust or sprinkle with parmesan and toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350-degree oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese bubbles again.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes in the Pizza Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work great too. Just be sure to slightly undercook the pasta to avoid mushiness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and sausage and boost the veggies or add plant-based sausage alternatives. Mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant make excellent hearty additions.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely. Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be substituted for Colby jack. Choose a cheese that melts well and suits your taste preferences.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends mostly on whether you use hot or mild Italian sausage and the addition of pepperoni. You can adjust according to your heat tolerance or leave those ingredients out for a milder casserole.
Can I prepare this Pizza Casserole Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day before baking, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day for a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Casserole Recipe is a genius way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a hungry group. It’s easy to make, flexible with ingredients, and endlessly comforting. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to dinner favorite!
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Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
This hearty Pizza Casserole combines rotini pasta, savory ground beef and Italian sausage, mixed with sautéed vegetables and rich pizza sauce, all topped with melted Colby jack cheese and pepperoni slices. It’s a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 ½ cups rotini pasta
Meat
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage (hot or mild)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
Vegetables
- ½ onion, chopped
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional, 1 can)
Others
- 28 ounces pizza sauce (2 jars)
- 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside for later use.
- Cook pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, but cook it for one minute less than suggested to keep it slightly firm. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the meats: In a large frying pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until no longer pink, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the meats: Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the browned meat mixture. Continue cooking and stirring for about 1 minute to incorporate the flavors. Transfer the meat mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Drain any excess fat from the pan but keep the drippings. Using the same pan, sauté the chopped onions, shredded carrots, and chopped green bell peppers until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Combine meats and vegetables: Return the cooked meat mixture to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. If using mushrooms, add them now and stir everything together evenly.
- Mix pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta and the pizza sauce to the pan with the meat and vegetable mixture. Toss all ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of sauce and flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese over the top, then arrange the pepperoni slices evenly on the cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has fully melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta slightly underdone helps prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Drain excess fat carefully to reduce grease but retain flavor from the drippings for sautéing vegetables.
- Mushrooms are optional; feel free to omit if not desired or replace with other vegetables.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste during cooking.
- For a spicier casserole, use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes if desired.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute rotini with a gluten-free pasta.
