Go Back

Pizza Casserole

A comforting casserole that transforms pizza flavors into a bubbling, cheesy dish with pasta, sauce, meat, and vegetables - ready in just 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Toppings
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or pepperoni slices)
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden-brown. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, cooking 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Drain cooked pasta and return to pot. Add pizza sauce, meat and vegetable mixture, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1 cup mozzarella, and all Parmesan. Stir until evenly coated.
  4. Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over top. Bake 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  5. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it continues cooking in the oven. Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for clean slices. Store leftovers up to 4 days in refrigerator or freeze up to 3 months. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results.