Ultimate Pizza Casserole Recipe with Pasta: Cheesy, Hearty, and Irresistible

If you love pizza and pasta, imagine a dish that combines both in one comforting, cheesy casserole. That’s exactly what a pizza casserole with pasta delivers—a hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you want to treat your family to something special.

I’ve spent years experimenting with layers of pasta, pizza sauce, rich cheeses, and flavorful toppings to create the perfect balance of gooey, cheesy, and meaty goodness. The result? A casserole that tastes like your favorite pizza, but with the heartiness of a pasta bake. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and made to share.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, fun, and absolutely delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Pizza Casserole

Here’s why this pizza casserole with pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser:

• Cheesy Heaven: Melted mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar blend together for ooey-gooey perfection.
• Flavor-Packed: Italian herbs, garlic, and pizza sauce infuse every bite with rich, classic pizza taste.
• Customizable: Add pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or any favorite pizza toppings.
• Easy Prep: Simple to assemble and bake, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it, adults crave it—everyone is happy at the table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the full list of ingredients for a family-sized pizza casserole with pasta:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Pasta (penne or rotini)	12 oz (340 g)	Cooked al dente
Olive oil	1 tbsp	For sautéing
Ground beef or Italian sausage	1 lb (450 g)	Optional for meat lovers
Salt	1 tsp	Adjust to taste
Black pepper	½ tsp	Freshly ground
Garlic powder	½ tsp	Optional, enhances flavor
Onion powder	½ tsp	Optional
Pizza sauce	2 cups	Homemade or store-bought
Shredded mozzarella	2 cups	For layering
Shredded cheddar	1 cup	Adds sharpness
Parmesan cheese	½ cup	For topping
Pepperoni slices	½ cup	Optional
Bell peppers	½ cup, chopped	Optional
Mushrooms	½ cup, sliced	Optional
Italian seasoning	1 tsp	Essential for pizza flavor
Fresh basil	A few leaves	For garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Al dente pasta will hold its texture during baking, preventing a mushy casserole.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat & Veggies

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef or sausage, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until browned.
3. Remove excess grease if needed.
4. Add bell peppers and mushrooms and sauté until slightly tender.

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Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning.
2. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
3. Fold in the cooked meat and vegetables.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—gentle folding keeps pasta shapes intact and cheese evenly distributed.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish. Spread evenly.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and pepperoni slices if using.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese top.

Serving Tip: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set beautifully.

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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Pizza Casserole

1. Cheese Mix Matters: A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan gives flavor depth and gooey texture.
2. Pasta Shape Choice: Short, sturdy pasta like penne or rotini works best to hold sauce and toppings.
3. Sauce Upgrade: Add crushed red pepper or garlic to store-bought pizza sauce for a homemade touch.
4. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley before serving for brightness.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake later—perfect for meal prep.
6. Vegetarian Option: Swap meat for extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or roasted tomatoes.

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FAQ: Pizza Casserole with Pasta

Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Cook according to package instructions and watch closely during baking.

Q2: Can this be frozen?
Absolutely. Bake as directed, let cool, then freeze. Reheat in oven until warmed through.

Q3: How do I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper, spicy Italian sausage, or pepper jack cheese for a kick.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip parmesan. Taste will still be rich and satisfying.

Q5: What’s the best way to serve?
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Variations on This Pizza Casserole Recipe

• Meat Lovers: Add sausage, bacon, or pepperoni.
• Vegetarian: Focus on colorful vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, spinach, and roasted red peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Include crushed red pepper, jalapeños, or hot Italian sausage.
• White Pizza Casserole: Use Alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce, with mozzarella and ricotta.

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Final Thoughts

This pizza casserole with pasta is a game-changer for busy nights and family dinners. It combines the comforting, cheesy indulgence of pizza with the filling satisfaction of pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection.

The secret is fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a lot of love while assembling. Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and cheese blends—every variation tastes amazing.

Gather your favorite pasta, sauce, and toppings, and let’s make a casserole that’s guaranteed to disappear from the table in minutes.

Trust me—once you try this pizza casserole, it will become a weekly family favorite. Gooey, cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor—it’s everything pizza and pasta lovers dream of in one dish.

See Also: Mouthwatering Pizza Burgers Recipes: Juicy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Easy