Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that brings all the bold flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza into a comforting baked casserole. Made with pasta, pizza sauce, melted cheese, and plenty of pepperoni, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—it’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with pizza flavor in every bite. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, and it’s great for feeding a crowd. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings, this recipe is kid-approved and adult-loved.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (such as rotini, penne, or rigatoni)
• Pizza sauce
• Marinara or pasta sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sliced pepperoni
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Optional toppings: black olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, sausage

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, pizza sauce, marinara, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni for a lighter option.
• Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for extra protein.
• Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a flavor twist.
• Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices.
• Swap pasta for cauliflower florets to make it low-carb.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating for extra freshness.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready. Store covered in the fridge.

Can I freeze Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or rigatoni hold sauce well and bake evenly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It has all the flavors of pizza that kids love, in a fun pasta form.

Can I make this without pepperoni?

Yes, substitute with your favorite toppings or keep it vegetarian.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Be sure to use enough sauce and don’t overbake. Cover with foil if needed during baking.

Can I use jarred pizza sauce?

Yes, jarred pizza sauce or a mix of pizza and marinara sauce works great.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and confirm your sauce and pepperoni are gluten-free to adapt the recipe.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can add provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole combines all the cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza into a warm, baked pasta dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. Perfect for busy nights or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s a go-to comfort meal that’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

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