Here’s a hearty and cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole recipe — all the flavors of pizza baked in a comforting casserole form.
🍕 Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 20–25 slices pepperoni, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 small bell pepper, diced or ½ cup mushrooms
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3️⃣ Assemble Casserole
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with pizza sauce, half of the mozzarella, half of the pepperoni, and optional vegetables.
- Season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella, remaining pepperoni, and grated Parmesan.
4️⃣ Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden, slightly crispy cheese top.
5️⃣ Serve
- Let casserole cool 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Extra meaty: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef with the pasta.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- Vegetable boost: Add zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Cheesy twist: Mix cream cheese or ricotta into the pasta for a creamier casserole.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
If you like, I can provide a restaurant-style Pepperoni Pizza Casserole with layers of sauce, extra gooey cheese, and perfectly crisped pepperoni that tastes just like your favorite pizzeria.
