Web Admin / Saturday, September 13, 2025

/ Categories: Diet, weight, food and drink, cooking

Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner

a photo of a cheesy pepperoni pasta casserole topped with sliced olives and melted cheese

This delicious and simple pizza casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Made with layers of pasta, pizza sauce, pepperoni, cheese, and your choice of toppings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

This is an emergency post. We’ve had a pizza casserole recipe on the blog since it first began, almost 17 years ago. Until now. I went to pull it up for dinner one night a few weeks ago and it was gone. Where did the pizza casserole recipe disappear to?!

I still have no idea what happened, but thankfully I still had the recipe with one change, we ONLY use our homemade pizza sauce. You’ll have to trust me on this one, it totally transforms the dish from good to amazing.

Every time I ask my kids for dinner ideas, they always say pizza…every single time. I love pizza as much as the next person (four cheese margherita pizza, pizzeria pizza dough, pesto pepperoni and sausage pizza), but homemade pizza takes time and planning ahead. Let me be honest, sometimes I’m not that on the ball. Pizza pasta casserole to the recipe! It tastes like you are eating pizza but it’s on the table from start to finish in less than an hour.

What is Needed to Make Pizza Casserole?

If you’re looking for a delicious and quick weeknight meal, this easy pizza casserole dinner is a recipe that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time! Here is everything you’ll need…

Ground Beef: We used 85/15 which I recommend for the best flavor.
- PRO TIP: You can use just ground beef or just sausage, but I found that the combination of both meats provided a depth of flavor that was so tasty. Ground beef is also so kid-friendly!
Mild Italian Sausage: Adds that signature meat lovers pizza flavor.
Homemade Pizza Sauce: You really have to try this homemade pizza sauce in this recipe, but if you don’t have the time, buy a good quality store-bought sauce.
Pasta: We use rigatoni but any pasta will work fine. I’d recommend a big hearty noodle for the best texture.
Mozzarella: The best melty cheese for pizza.
Pepperoni: any brand of pre-sliced pepperoni works great
Parmesan Cheese: adds bold pizza flavor
Sliced Black Olives: totally optional but I love olives so they are a must for me
Garlic Parsley Seasoning: We like Johnny’s Garlic Spread.
Italian Seasoning: boosts those Italian flavors
Fresh Parsley: I like to sprinkle it over the top after it bakes to add a pop of freshness.

The measurements and details for all the ingredients can be found down below in the recipe card.

How to Make Pizza Casserole

This casserole is like a meat lover’s pizzas but in a casserole form. It makes having pizza for dinner so easy! Here are the steps for making this baked pasta casserole:

Prep: Preheat oven to 350℉.
Brown the Ground Meats: Place a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain any extra grease or juice. Add the pizza sauce and stir to combine.
Make the Pasta: Boil the pasta following the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain the pasta and stir it into the meat and sauce mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the pasta and meat mixture in a 9×13 casserole dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese and add a layer of pepperonis. Add the rest of the pasta and meat mixture and then the rest of the cheese and another layer of pepperonis.
Toppings: Sprinkle the parmesan and olives over the top and then the two seasonings.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheeses start to brown and get bubbly.
Cool: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with some fresh parsley and serve.

Keep scrolling to the end of the post for the complete recipe card with the instructions. You can save and print the recipe there.

I make a double batch of pizza sauce and freeze in 2-4 freezer bags using our Food Saver. It freezes perfectly and saves me so much time in the long run.

Pizza Casserole Variations

Pizza casserole is just as customizable as pizza is. If you’re a supreme pizza lover, add diced onions, bell peppers and mushrooms to the casserole. Bacon and ham can also be added if you want a true meat lover’s pizza.

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

This is a great make ahead recipe! Assemble the casserole completely as written and then cover the casserole dish with foil and keep in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It will keep in the fridge for up to a day or two. Bake as written in the instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes since it’s being baked straight from the fridge.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 5 days. If I’m going to reheat a large portion of the casserole, I like to reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and warm up the casserole until heated through.

This pizza casserole makes a great lunch option for the next day. If I’m just warming up an individual portion for myself, I’ll just zap it in the microwave. It reheats very well and is so delicious!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Family Friendly: I haven’t met a kid who doesn’t love pizza or pasta. Combine those two into one dish, and you have a winning recipe for the whole family.

Comfort Food: Casseroles are pure comfort! They are warm and inviting and the perfect option for a family dinner.

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe is ready in under an hour. It also could be made any time during the day and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to get dinner on the table.

Customizable: Feel free to swap out meats, cheeses, or toppings to create the pizza flavors your family enjoys.

Imagine a cheesy, savory dish that combines the best parts of pizza and pasta. Pizza casserole layers tender pasta, zesty pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and loads of crispy pepperoni, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with pizza flavor in every bite!

More Easy Casserole Recipes:

Watch How to Make Pizza Casserole