Cheesy Pizza Casserole
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.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10
Difficulty Level: Easy
Equipment
- 9x13 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 9x13 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
Can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version
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
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