Print

Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Pasta Casserole

A generous slice of baked pizza casserole featuring pasta, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni slices.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy pizza pasta casserole for a comforting, cheesy meal that pleases a crowd. This recipe uses simple ingredients and allows for easy customization with your favorite pizza toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dry pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup preferred pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. If using meat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
  7. In the large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the remaining meat sauce, the ricotta mixture, and 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
  9. Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with your preferred pizza toppings and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers with the onion.
  • To make this a ‘Bubble Up Pizza Casserole,’ substitute the dry pasta with 2 cans (16.3 ounces each) of refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters. Layer the biscuit pieces with the sauce and cheese mixture.
  • This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/easy-pizza-casserole-recipe/