Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of pizza but want something hearty and easy to make for the whole family, this Pizza Casserole recipe is the perfect solution for an easy meal recipe.

I love comforting baked pasta recipes! This simple pizza casserole recipe tops the charts for flavor and simplicity!! And this weeknight pizza casserole for kids and adults checks all the boxes!

Combining the best parts of classic pizza—gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce—with spiral pasta, this dish transforms your favorite takeout into a satisfying, oven-baked pasta meal.

You’ll want to bookmark this hearty casserole recipe in your collection of comfort food recipes or weeknight dinner recipes!! This quick and easy casserole dinner is simple to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to become a staple in your Italian-inspired dinner rotation.

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Ingredients for Pizza Casserole

To whip up this mouthwatering Pizza Casserole, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Start with 3 cups of spiral pasta and 2 pounds of ground beef for a hearty base.

Add a diced medium onion and 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms for rich, savory depth.

The sauce combines a trio of tomato goodness: one can of tomato sauce, a jar of pizza sauce, and tomato paste.

A sprinkle of sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano brings the classic Italian flair.

Finish strong with 4 cups of shredded mozzarella and a generous dusting of grated or shredded Parmesan cheese.

And don’t forget this is a to make this a pepperoni pizza casserole with plenty of slices of zesty pepperoni on top!

Substitute Ingredients for Pizza Casserole

This classic pizza flavored casserole is meant to be a quick dinner idea for busy nights! If you need to make some substitutions for this weeknight dinner casserole recipe, there are plenty of options.

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner homemade pizza casserole choice.

For a vegetarian version, you can use crumbled tofu or a meat substitute and still retain that classic pizza flavor.

If you don’t have spiral pasta, penne or rigatoni will work just as well. I made my pizza casserole with pasta from three different kinds of pasta to help get rid of the almost empty pasta boxes in my pantry, lol!

No mozzarella? Who says this has to be a mozzarella casserole? You can still make this cheesy comfort food with shredded cheddar or an Italian blend can also melt beautifully.

You can replace fresh mushrooms with canned ones or leave them out entirely.

Finally, for the pepperoni, try using sliced sausage or even ham for a different twist on this easy Italian casserole recipe.

How to Make Gluten-free Pizza Casserole

Good news: this baked pasta casserole can be transformed into a delicious gluten-free dish with just a few easy swaps!

First, choose a high-quality gluten-free pasta that holds its shape well during baking, like brown rice or chickpea pasta.

Most pizza and tomato sauces are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check the labels to be sure.

Don’t forget the pepperoni—some brands might sneak in gluten, so look for a gluten-free option.

With these small changes, you’ll still get all the cheesy, saucy goodness without the gluten!

Equipment Needed to Make Pizza Casserole

This Pizza Casserole doesn’t require fancy gadgets—just a few kitchen essentials.

Start with a large pot to cook your pasta and a deep skillet to brown the beef and simmer the sauce.

You’ll also need a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish to layer everything perfectly.

Don’t forget a colander for draining pasta and a wooden spoon or spatula for mixing.

Measuring cups will help you portion the ingredients, and a good cheese grater can come in handy if you’re shredding fresh mozzarella.

Easy tools for an easy, comforting meal!

How to Make Pizza Casserole

Making this Pizza Casserole is simple and straightforward.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and boiling 3 cups of spiral pasta until al dente.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook 2 pounds of ground beef and a diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.

Drain the fat, then stir in 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms, a can of tomato sauce, a jar of pizza sauce, and tomato paste. You can also just mix this all together right in the baking dish for this pizza pasta bake.!

Season with sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano, then let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.

Layer half of this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, top with 2 cups of mozzarella, and add a layer of pepperoni.

Repeat the layers, then sprinkle Parmesan and the remaining mozzarella on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making Casserole

Let’s make this Pizza Casserole unforgettable with a few insider tricks!

First, cook that pasta just shy of done—it’ll soak up all the saucy goodness without turning mushy.

When browning the beef, don’t rush; let it get nice and caramelized for maximum flavor.

Want a little extra kick? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of Italian seasoning will do the trick!

When you layer the cheese, don’t skimp—spread it evenly so every forkful oozes with melty goodness.

And here’s the secret to perfect slices: let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.

Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with beautifully set layers that are easier to serve and oh-so-satisfying.

Wondering what to serve with this hearty Pizza Casserole?

A fresh green salad with a tangy Italian dressing provides a crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy layers.

Add some garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.

For a fun twist, pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, and mozzarella balls.

As for drinks, a glass of red wine like Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon makes the perfect companion to this cozy dish.

And beer!  Who doesn’t love an ice cold barley pop with pizza??  Any type of beer is always fine, but I prefer a nice ale or pilsner with my pizza meal.

How to Store Leftover Casserole

Got leftovers? No problem!

Let your Pizza Casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish back into the oven until warmed through.

Want to save some for later? Freezing is a great option for this to be a make-ahead casserole!

Make this freezer meal casserole when you have time, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ve got a quick, comforting meal ready to go!  Perfect for busy weeknight meal planning!!

Try my other pizza inspired recipes like my Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza or my Sausage and Fennel Flatbread Pizza!