This Pizza Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and pasta! Filled with savory marinara sauce, savory pepperoni, and a cheesy, melty topping, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner that the whole family will love. With its hearty ingredients and cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings for pizza in a whole new way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of pizza and pasta, this dish is the best of both worlds! It’s easy to make, comes together quickly, and is packed with all the cheesy, meaty flavors you love. The ground beef, pepperoni, and marinara sauce bring all the rich, savory flavors of pizza, while the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses create that gooey, cheesy topping you can’t resist. This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving a delicious, hearty meal.

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
Add the sliced pepperoni and marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef, and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Add the cooked pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle the garlic powder and dried oregano over the cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden on top.
Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Variations

Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, add some sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the beef mixture.
Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinara sauce for a spicy twist.
Cheese Lovers: For even more cheesy goodness, try adding ricotta cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses to the mix.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you like! Rotini, ziti, or fusilli would work well in this recipe too.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from the fridge.

3. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would be great alternatives for a lighter version of this casserole.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the meat and pepperoni and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

6. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce would add even more flavor to the casserole. Just be sure it’s well-seasoned to complement the other ingredients.

7. How do I make the casserole spicier?

Add some sliced jalapeños, spicy Italian sausage, or a generous amount of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

8. Can I add other toppings?

Definitely! You can add more toppings such as fresh basil, olives, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.

9. Can I use shredded cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, cheddar cheese works well in this casserole. For a stronger flavor, you can combine mozzarella with cheddar or another cheese you prefer.

10. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. You can also check by inserting a fork into the center to ensure the casserole is heated through.

Conclusion

Pizza Pasta Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines all the flavors of pizza with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cheesy, flavorful casserole is always a hit!

Pizza Pasta Casserole

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Print Recipe

Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the best of pizza and pasta in one hearty, cheesy dish! Filled with ground beef, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. Quick to make and delicious, this casserole is sure to be a new favorite!

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta

1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
Add sliced pepperoni and marinara sauce to the beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the beef and sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano over the cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden on top.
Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!

Notes

Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Spice it up with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the marinara sauce.
Cheese Lovers: Add ricotta cheese or Italian cheese blend for even more cheesy goodness.
Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole, Pasta, Comfort Food
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Diet: Gluten Free