The Best Recipe for Pizza Casserole: It is Easy to Make!

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When it comes to comforting, family-friendly meals, few dishes can compete with the ever-popular Pizza Casserole. Bursting with Italian flavors and ooey-gooey cheese, this recipe for pizza casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It is a fun switch up from pizza night, an easy weeknight dinner, and something the entire family will like.

Why Would You Need a Recipe for Pizza Casserole?

When you have a tween or teen in the family, it seems like you might be feeding a bottomless pit. Pizza is always a hit so this take on that classic tomato pie is a crowd-pleaser. With a pasta base, this is incredibly thrifty for feeding a large group, yet a heavy hitter on flavor.

This also freezes well because it uses simple ingredients. It is easy to make a large batch or multiple pans which turns it into one of those great recipes for dinner ideas to use for that meal train you sign up for with church, etc.The whole family will like it – down to that picky eater.

Pasta and pasta sauce are on sale every 6 to 8 weeks at your local grocery store. Add a coupon or two and you can often score a 1-pound box for less than fifty cents, and that can or jar of pasta sauce for under two bucks.

Pizza Casserole with Pasta

I have several different versions of pizza casseroles in my recipe files, but they all include three basic ingredients: tomato sauce, cheese, and some sort of meat. All three ingredients are the staples in a pizza so it only makes sense this would be a good combination for pizza casseroles.

Some people make a pizza casserole pepperoni and others a pizza casserole ground beef.

This pizza casserole recipe uses pasta – some people make pizza casserole with crescent rolls and others make pizza casserole with biscuits.

What kinds of pasta can I use?

You have a wide range of pasta options to choose from when making pizza casserole. The choice of pasta can affect the texture and appearance of your dish. Here are some pasta types that work well for pizza casserole:

1. Rotini: These corkscrew-shaped pasta spirals are great for holding onto sauce and toppings, ensuring a flavorful bite in every forkful.
2. Penne pasta: Penne’s cylindrical shape with angled ends is ideal for trapping sauce and ingredients, making it a popular choice for casseroles.
3. Rigatoni: Similar to penne but larger and with ridges, rigatoni offers plenty of nooks and crannies to capture sauce and cheese.
4. Ziti: Ziti noodles are similar to penne but cut straight across at the ends. They work well in casseroles and have a pleasing texture.
5. Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape adds a fun twist to your pizza casserole, and its small size is great for kids.

Ultimately, the choice of pasta comes down to personal preference. You can select a shape that you enjoy and that complements the overall style and look of your pizza casserole. Feel free to experiment with different pasta types to find your family’s favorite combination.

Pizza Casserole Freezer Recipe:

This makes for a great freezer recipe – the actual recipe or even one of the five variants I mentioned can be assembled and then frozen. Just thaw overnight before actually baking off.

​Have Everything but the spaghetti sauce?

No worries, you can easily make it at home with a few things:

Homemade Pasta Sauce with Italian Seasoning:

• 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

This homemade pasta sauce with Italian seasoning will work perfectly in your pizza casserole recipe as a pasta sauce substitute. It offers a rich and herby flavor profile that complements the dish beautifully. Enjoy your pasta-based pizza casserole!

Recipe for Pizza Casserole:

8oz noodles
1 can/jar sauce
1/4 cup milk
1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
2 oz pepperoni, slices cut into quarters
1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 small can of mushrooms

Instructions:

Begin by cooking your chosen pasta noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain pasta thoroughly.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef, making sure to drain the grease.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, milk, mushrooms, and quartered pepperoni slices. Stir in the pizza sauce until all ingredients are well incorporated. Fold in the cooked pasta to create a delightful, saucy mixture.

In a baking dish, layer the pasta mixture and mozzarella cheese, creating alternating layers similar to a lasagna. Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top, and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for an extra kick.

Your pizza casserole is now ready for the final step. You can choose to either freeze it for later or bake it immediately. To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.

How to Store Your Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe:

If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead of time, store your pizza casserole in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months.

How to Reheat it the Next Day

To reheat a refrigerated casserole, simply microwave individual servings or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations:

One of the best things about pizza casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your family’s preferences:

• Veggie Lovers: Add bell peppers, onions, black olives, or any other favorite veggies to the mix for a colorful and nutritious twist.
• Sausage Sensation: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a zesty flavor boost.
• Cheese Galore: Mix and match your cheese choices. Try cheddar, provolone, or even feta to create unique flavor profiles.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick that will wake up your taste buds.

​Seriously, any of your favorite pizza toppings are easy to incorporate.

Pizza Casserole Bake Ideas

Make your own tasty savory goodness with these recipes that include many different variations of pizza sauce, meat, and cheese combinations to keep you from getting bored with this basic casserole dish.

1. Chicken, Sausage & Cheese Pizza Casserole Recipe: Take some of your leftover chicken sausage and chicken to make a one-pan meal with all the ease of pizza. The pasta sauce will keep it moist as you layer in the cheese, chicken, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. This will make a complete meal as you can also serve a salad on the side along with garlic bread.

2. Broccoli & Cheese Pizza Casserole Recipe: Make broccoli and cheese pizza right in your own oven without all the cost of ordering from the local restaurant or take-out place. Maybe use some of that leftover pork you have and put it to use in this casserole dish.

3. Ham & Cheese Pizza Casserole Recipe: Try alfredo sauce with a delicious diced ham and Swiss cheese delight. Serve with salad on the side along with garlic bread.

4. Taco Pizza Casserole Recipe: Make taco night an all-year-long event with this tasty casserole. Have all the ingredients on hand from seasoned taco meat to switching out the pasta sauce for salsa!

5. Spinach & Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe: Get rid of those unused spinach and sausage singles and combine them in this quick, easy casserole dish for a family pleaser. You can use a jar of your favorite pizza sauce or make your own fresh from scratch.

That gives you just a few ideas on how to switch up this recipe – and how to make a pizza casserole for kids that they will be begging you for more.

FAQs on our recipe for pizza casserole:

Can I use different pasta noodles?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using your favorite noodles, options like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work well in this casserole.

What other meats can I use?

Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor profile.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Certainly! Skip the meat and opt for additional veggies, like spinach or artichoke hearts, for a delicious vegetarian pizza casserole.

Can I make it gluten-free?

​Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your pizza sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

There you have it—a scrumptious pizza casserole recipe that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable to your family’s taste buds. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with your toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoy your homemade pizza casserole!

Print off our recipe card here:

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