Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza Pasta Casserole brings together all your favorite pizza flavors in one cheesy, comforting, family-friendly dish. This hearty baked pasta is loaded with tender rotini, savory ground beef, pepperoni, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella—making it a perfect one-pan dinner for busy weeknights that kids and adults alike will love!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pasta Base
• For Topping
• How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Pasta
• Step 3: Prepare the Beef Mixture
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Bake the Casserole
• Step 6: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
• How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole
• With a Side Salad
• Accompanied by Garlic Bread
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• As Leftovers
• How to Perfect Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Reheating Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I customize my Pizza Pasta Casserole?
• Can I use a different type of pasta?
• Is Pizza Pasta Casserole kid-friendly?
• How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
• Can I prepare Pizza Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 55 minutes, this casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal fast.
• Family-Friendly: Kids adore cheesy pasta and pepperoni; this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap or add your favorite toppings like mushrooms or olives to customize this dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in one baking dish, making it easy for weeknight dinners.
• Great Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pizza Pasta Casserole, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can simplify your cooking experience and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown cheese topping.
• Large Pot: Necessary for boiling pasta evenly without crowding it.
• Skillet: Great for browning the ground beef and mixing flavors efficiently.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the Pizza Pasta Casserole:

For the Pasta Base

• 1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (6 oz) package pepperoni, chopped (reserve 20 whole slices for topping)
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 36 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20 whole pepperoni slices (reserved from package)

How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray your 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well using a colander—do not rinse.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Add ground beef along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
2. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Drain any excess grease before moving on.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, chopped pepperoni (reserving 20 slices), diced green pepper, diced onion, marinara sauce, and 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
2. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish:
1. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

After 15 minutes:
1. Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
2. Arrange reserved pepperoni slices on top.
3. Return to oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle. Enjoy your delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole!

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole

Serving Pizza Pasta Casserole is a delightful experience that allows you to showcase this comforting dish in various ways. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck gathering, these serving suggestions will make your meal unforgettable.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad pair wonderfully with the cheesy pasta.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter adds crunch and flavor to each bite.
• Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: For an extra treat, serve warm breadsticks topped with melted cheese and herbs.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Adding freshly chopped basil can enhance the flavors and provide a fresh touch.
• Parsley Garnish: A sprinkle of parsley adds color and brightness to the dish.

As Leftovers

• Reheated for Lunch: Pizza Pasta Casserole makes for great leftovers. Just reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.
• Creative Wraps: Use leftovers in wraps with additional veggies for an easy lunch option.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Pizza Pasta Casserole

To ensure your Pizza Pasta Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Al Dente Pasta: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking. Cook it just slightly less than package instructions.
• Brown the Beef Well: Properly browning the ground beef enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it caramelize slightly.
• Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensuring even distribution of ingredients helps each bite be flavorful. Stir until everything is well combined.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for varied taste profiles. Mix them in for added depth.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives before baking for more flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pairing sides with your Pizza Pasta Casserole can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and chewy knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection balances out the richness of the casserole.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze provides a refreshing contrast.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, making it a perfect match for the cheesy pasta dish.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers a nutritious side that compliments the casserole nicely.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that everyone will enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Pizza Pasta Casserole, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Salting Step: Failing to salt your pasta water can result in bland noodles. Always add salt to enhance flavor.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long makes it mushy. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap cheese or sauce can impact taste. Opt for quality marinara and mozzarella for better flavor.
• Not Mixing Thoroughly: An uneven mix can lead to dry spots. Ensure all ingredients are well combined before baking.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the casserole immediately can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest a few minutes for better slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3–4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe dish or portion into smaller containers.
• Can be stored for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil; heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water; stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Pizza Pasta Casserole.

How do I customize my Pizza Pasta Casserole?

You can add vegetables like mushrooms or olives. Swap ground beef for sausage or turkey for different flavors.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini works well, penne or fusilli are great alternatives that hold sauce nicely.

Is Pizza Pasta Casserole kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Its cheesy goodness and familiar pizza flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with vegetarian meat alternatives and use veggie toppings like bell peppers and spinach.

Can I prepare Pizza Pasta Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Pasta Casserole is a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and comforting flavors that appeals to everyone at the table. It’s versatile enough for customization, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on dietary needs. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!