Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Are you ready for a dinner that brings all the cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness of your favorite pizza but with a cozy, casserole twist? Imagine layers of tender pasta, gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara sauce, all baked together into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is like pizza, but even easier to make—and dare I say, even more satisfying. Whether you’re serving it to the family, bringing it to a potluck, or just craving comfort food on a chilly evening, this casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot.

This is one of those dishes that practically takes care of itself—toss everything in a pan, bake, and you’ve got a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s going to have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready to make your pizza dreams come true? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a total game-changer. Here’s why:

All Your Favorite Pizza Flavors in One Dish

This casserole takes all the comfort and flavor of pizza and turns it into a super easy-to-make, super satisfying meal. Pepperoni? Check. Cheese? Check. Saucy pasta perfection? Check, check, check.

Quick and Easy

No need to worry about kneading dough or assembling individual pizzas—this recipe is all about simplicity and convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a dish in a pinch.

Customizable

Want to mix it up? You can swap the pepperoni for sausage, veggies, or even make it a vegetarian-friendly option by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. The world is your pizza oyster!

Family-Friendly

Let’s face it, pizza is a universal favorite. This casserole is guaranteed to please picky eaters and satisfy everyone at the dinner table, making it the perfect family-friendly meal.

Meal Prep Magic

Leftovers are just as delicious (if not better!) the next day, so feel free to make a big batch and have lunch ready to go for the next couple of days. It reheats like a dream!

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that bring this tasty casserole to life. These simple items pack all the flavors of your favorite pizza into one easy dish:

Rotini or Penne Pasta

The pasta is the hearty base of this casserole. It absorbs all the saucy goodness while holding up perfectly to the cheese and pepperoni.

Pepperoni Slices

Of course, you can’t have a pepperoni pizza casserole without the pepperoni! These crispy, salty slices add the perfect amount of flavor and texture.

Marinara Sauce

A classic pizza sauce is what ties this casserole together. You’ll want a flavorful, rich marinara to coat the pasta and pepperoni.

Mozzarella Cheese

The gooey, melty mozzarella cheese is key to that pizza experience we’re all after. It makes every bite creamy and cheesy in the best way possible.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, savory touch to the dish and gives it that extra bit of richness.

Italian Seasoning

To amp up those pizza vibes, a blend of Italian seasoning brings in all the classic pizza herbs—oregano, basil, and thyme—without the extra work.

Garlic Powder

A little garlic powder makes the whole casserole sing with flavor. It’s that little touch that makes everything pop!

Olive Oil

A bit of olive oil helps make everything come together and adds a nice richness to the sauce and cheese.

Instructions

Ready to get this casserole in the oven? Let’s make this pizza-inspired dish a reality:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want the casserole to cook evenly and get that golden, bubbly top!

Cook the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside, ready to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together your marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir in half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and give everything a good mix to combine.

Assemble the Casserole

In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked pasta with half of the pepperoni slices. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the top, then repeat the layers—pasta, pepperoni, and sauce. Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to firm up, then scoop it out, serve, and watch it disappear. Top with a little extra parmesan or fresh herbs for an added touch!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Looking to complete the meal? Here are a few ideas for sides that pair perfectly with this pizza casserole:

• Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole and adds a pop of color.
• Roasted Veggies: Try roasting some zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli to round out the meal and sneak in some veggies.
• Breadsticks: If you’re craving that pizza shop experience, serve with soft, buttery breadsticks to really up your dinner game.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or swap the pepperoni for spicy sausage.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to double the recipe and bake it in a larger casserole dish. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day!
• Frozen Pepperoni: If you’ve got frozen pepperoni, just thaw it a little and chop it up into smaller pieces before adding it to the casserole.
• Vegetarian Version: You can make this casserole vegetarian by swapping the pepperoni for mushrooms, olives, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well will work great for this casserole.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake it according to the instructions.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?

A3: Yes! You can freeze the casserole after assembling it (before baking). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A4: Of course! You can mix things up with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Get creative with your cheese choices!

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q6: Can I add other pizza toppings?

A6: Definitely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives to make it your own.

Q7: Can I make this without pepperoni?

A7: Yes, feel free to substitute with sausage, chicken, or even just veggies for a different twist on the recipe.

Q8: How do I make it less greasy?

A8: To cut down on the grease, use leaner pepperoni or turkey pepperoni. You could also drain the pepperoni before adding it to the casserole.

Q9: Can I make this spicy?

A9: For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or swap out some of the pepperoni for spicy sausage.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?

A10: The best way to reheat the casserole is in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, too!

Conclusion

There you have it! A Pepperoni Pizza Casserole that combines all the best parts of pizza into one dish. It’s easy, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for any occasion. Give this a try and watch your family devour it in no time. Enjoy!

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