👩🍳 How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to the package directions, but take it off the heat a minute early to keep it slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with chopped onion until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Add half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then mix well.
Step 6: Assemble
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Lay out the pepperoni slices evenly over the top. Add any other toppings you love—this is your pizza masterpiece!
Step 7: Bake It Up
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread for the ultimate pizza night experience.
🌟 Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
Want crispy pepperoni? Place some directly on top so they crisp up in the oven.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Go meatless: Skip the meat and load up with mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Make ahead: Assemble in the morning, refrigerate, and just pop in the oven at dinner time.
🍽 Perfect for Parties, Leftovers & Meal Prep
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat in the oven until bubbly.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite slice—without the mess or delivery wait. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that satisfies pizza cravings while bringing the comfort of a casserole. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or need a fun twist on dinner, this recipe is the ultimate solution.
