The Irresistible Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe Everyone Adores

Whipping up a delightful pizza pasta casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of melted cheese, zesty marinara, and perfectly cooked noodles create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks will adore how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes.

Crispy edges and gooey center make every single bite irresistible.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the first forkful of this cheesy, savory sensation.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this incredible meal that combines two beloved classics into one unforgettable experience.

Why Pizza Pasta Casserole Stays A Favorite

• Conquer Dinner Excitement: Transform boring weeknight meals into a crowd-pleasing pizza pasta sensation that combines two ultimate comfort foods in one delicious dish.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Require minimal cooking skills with straightforward ingredients and basic kitchen techniques that guarantee a successful dinner without complex steps.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Explosion: Pack irresistible pizza-style tastes kids adore, featuring pepperoni, cheese, and marinara sauce in a hearty pasta format that ensures clean plates and happy faces.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground beef for sausage, change peppers, or add different cheese varieties to match family preferences and pantry availability.

Everything In Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Rotini Pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce and seasonings perfectly in its twists.
• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein and adds substantial flavor to the casserole.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that brings spicy and savory notes to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds classic tomato flavor and helps bind all the ingredients together.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a gooey, stretchy topping characteristic of pizza.

• Green Pepper, Onion: Add fresh crunch and depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt: Enhance the overall taste profile with classic Italian and savory notes.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

Pizza Pasta Casserole Steps Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Boil the rotini pasta following package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly without rinsing.

Step 3: Brown Savory Beef

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Mix Delicious Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Seasoned beef
• Chopped pepperoni (save 20 slices for topping)
• Diced green pepper
• Diced onion
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir everything until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Transfer the mixed pasta to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Arrange the reserved pepperoni slices across the surface.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove and let cool briefly before serving.

Pro Cooking Tips For Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Boost Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring perfect al dente consistency.
• Drain Excess Grease: Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove additional fat, keeping the casserole less greasy and more flavorful.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier without losing melty texture.
• Veggie Swap Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains rich, hearty flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sprinkle extra Italian seasoning for a zesty kick that elevates the overall taste profile of the dish.

Fun Ways To Change Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Vegetarian Pizza Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning profile for rich flavor.
• Chicken Lovers' Casserole: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, adding a lighter protein option with similar Italian-inspired taste.
• Gluten-Free Family Feast: Use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free, keeping the core recipe intact for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the classic pizza-inspired essence.

What Tastes Good With Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the pizza pasta casserole.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a refreshing side that cuts through the casserole's heaviness with crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread Sticks: Prepare warm, herb-infused garlic bread sticks to soak up extra marinara sauce and add delightful texture to the meal.
• Complement with Zesty Antipasto Platter: Arrange cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and pickled vegetables to provide a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired accompaniment.

How To Keep Pizza Pasta Casserole Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

Pizza Pasta Casserole Questions You May Have

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, ziti, or any short pasta that holds sauce well. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and provides a leaner protein option. Season it similarly with Italian herbs for best flavor.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the ground beef while cooking or include some sliced jalapeños in the mixture. You can also use spicy pepperoni or a hot marinara sauce to increase heat.

Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “pizza pasta casserole” delivers an irresistible Italian-American fusion that combines cheesy pasta with classic pizza toppings. Melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara sauce create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 16 ounces (454 grams) rotini pasta
• 36 ounces (1021 grams) marinara sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Protein and Vegetable Additions:

• 1 6 ounces (170 grams) pepperoni, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 20 whole pepperoni slices

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and coating a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly without rinsing.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Eliminate excess fat after cooking.
4. Combine cooked pasta, seasoned beef, chopped pepperoni (keeping 20 slices aside), diced green pepper, diced onion, marinara sauce, and two cups of mozzarella in a large mixing bowl. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Arrange reserved pepperoni slices across the surface.
7. Return to oven and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.

Notes

• Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring occasionally during cooking and using a large pot with plenty of water.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and ensure a crispy, not soggy, casserole texture.
• Customize by swapping pepperoni with turkey pepperoni for a leaner option or adding vegetables like mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which helps flavors meld together beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg