Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Cheesy Pizza Casserole. This family-friendly dish combines tender pasta, seasoned meat, rich tomato sauce, and generous layers of melted cheese to create a satisfying meal that captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and deliciously satisfying.
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Cheesy Pizza Casserole: Where Comfort Meets Convenience
When the craving for pizza strikes but you want something a little more substantial and homemade, this Cheesy Pizza Casserole steps in as the perfect solution. This dish brilliantly transforms all the beloved flavors of a traditional pizza into a hearty, satisfying casserole that feeds a crowd with minimal effort. What makes this recipe particularly special is its ability to combine the convenience of a casserole with the irresistible appeal of pizza. The layers of pasta, seasoned meat, rich tomato sauce, and multiple types of cheese create a depth of flavor that surpasses what you’d get from a regular delivery pizza.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a game night, or preparing meals for the week ahead, it hits all the right notes. The pasta base provides a satisfying foundation that soaks up the flavorful sauce, while the meat layer adds protein and richness. But it’s the generous amount of cheese that really makes this dish shine – creating those coveted stretchy strands with every scoop. The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and optionally ricotta brings the authentic Italian pizzeria experience right to your dinner table.
Pizza Paradise: A Hearty Casserole That Feeds the Soul
This recipe also celebrates the practical side of home cooking. It can be assembled ahead of time, feeds a large group easily, and often tastes even better the next day. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for a casual family dinner or a potluck contribution. Plus, it allows for endless customization – just like your favorite pizza, you can add or subtract toppings to suit your taste. The result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that captures all the joy of pizza in a format that’s perfect for any occasion.
Storage Options:
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months
- Freeze baked casserole for up to 1 month
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
- Reheat individual portions in microwave
- Reheat whole casserole covered in 350°F oven until hot
Cheesy Pizza Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 24 oz jars pizza sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, minus 1 minute.
- In large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage with onion and garlic.
- Drain excess fat and stir in pizza sauce and seasonings.
- Layer in baking dish:
- Half of the cooked pasta
- Half of the meat sauce
- Half of both cheeses
- Half of the pepperoni
- Repeat layers
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives
Use different pasta shapes as preferred
Can assemble ahead and refrigerate until baking
Spice level can be adjusted with red pepper flakes
Ricotta cheese can be added for extra creaminess
Don’t overcook pasta as it continues cooking in oven
Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly
Great for feeding large groups
Leftovers taste even better the next day