Baked Pizza Pasta Casserole

by

All your favorite pizza toppings meet cheesy baked pasta in this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

🍽 Servings: 8
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 50 minutes
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~520 kcal

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

  • Italian sausage

  • Ground beef

  • Pepperoni slices

  • Penne pasta

  • Marinara sauce

  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded)

  • Parmesan cheese (grated)

  • Green bell pepper (diced)

  • Italian seasoning

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Boil penne pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Brown the Meats & Veggies
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage, ground beef, and green bell pepper until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

  3. Mix Everything Together
    In a large bowl or directly in the pot, combine cooked pasta, browned meat mixture, and marinara sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

  4. Assemble the Casserole
    Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.

  5. Top with Cheese & Seasoning
    Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Finish with a dusting of Italian seasoning.

  6. Bake
    Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes, uncovered.

  7. Broil for Bubbly Finish
    Switch oven to broil and cook for 2 additional minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning!

  8. Serve Hot
    Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Great with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

🔎 Recipe Notes

  • Pepperoni on top gives it a pizza vibe—reserve a few slices to layer over the cheese before baking.

  • Use your favorite marinara or homemade tomato sauce for best results.

  • Swap penne with rigatoni or fusilli if desired.

  • Try spicy Italian sausage for a bold flavor boost.

👣 Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Prep Tips

  • Cook pasta just until al dente—it will soften more as it bakes.

  • Drain meat well to avoid greasy casserole layers.

  • Stir in extra marinara if you prefer a saucier dish.

Tip: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Assembly Tips

  • Layer cheese for even melt: mozzarella first, then a sprinkle of Parmesan for that golden top.

  • Add a few pepperoni slices or chopped olives on top for extra pizzeria flair.

🥄 Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

  • Meat-Free Version: Use plant-based ground “meat” and vegan pepperoni.

  • Cheese-Free Option: Leave out the cheese and add a breadcrumb topping with olive oil and herbs for a crisp, dairy-free finish.

  • Add-Ins: Sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or diced onions can be stirred into the mix for variety.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve With:

    • Garlic bread

    • Caesar salad

    • Roasted vegetables

  • Drinks:

    • Red wine (Chianti or Zinfandel)

    • Sparkling water with lemon

    • Cold beer

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze fully baked and cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

  • Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Make Ahead

  • Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Rigatoni, rotini, or ziti all work well for holding sauce and cheese.

Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: 100%! The pizza flavors and gooey cheese are usually a hit with kids and teens.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to up the heat.

📝 Why You’ll Love It

This Baked Pizza Pasta Casserole is everything you love about pizza and pasta combined into one bubbling, cheesy bake. It’s quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish for a hungry crowd, this one’s always a win.

💬 Join the Conversation

Tried this recipe? Share your twist in the comments! Did you go extra cheesy, sneak in veggies, or turn it into a spicy version? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

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