If you have ever wished for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes just like your favorite pizza but comes together in a single pan, then this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory pepperoni crisps, tangy marinara, and melty mozzarella cheese all baked to bubbly perfection—comfort food at its finest. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles with every forkful, perfect for feeding family and friends without the fuss of delivery. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this casserole will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is surprisingly simple because it relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays an important part, from the al dente pasta providing hearty texture to the fragrant Italian seasoning that adds layers of aromatic flavor. Plus, the combination of cheeses ensures every bite is gooey and indulgent without overpowering the pepperoni’s savory kick.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Holds onto the sauce perfectly with its ridged shape and tubes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to crisp up the pepperoni and sauté the onion, adding depth.
- 1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced: The star ingredient bringing spice and delicious fat that flavors the whole dish.
- 1/2 onion, diced (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture layer when sautéed.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Creates the tomato base that ties every ingredient together with rich, tangy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports you to a rustic Italian kitchen.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlic warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that quintessential pizza stretch and gooeyness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a salty, nutty finish, enhancing the cheesy crust on top.
- Fresh basil (optional): Provides a fresh and vibrant garnish that brightens the whole casserole.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Draining the pasta just right ensures it won’t get mushy when baked into the casserole. Set it aside while you prepare the savory pepperoni sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Pepperoni and Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced pepperoni. Let the slices sizzle and crisp up for 2 to 3 minutes—this step intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful texture contrast. Set aside about a quarter of the crispy slices to use as a topping later. If you’re using onion, toss the diced pieces into the skillet now and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce
Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the skillet with the remaining pepperoni and onions. Stir everything together, letting the sauce come to a gentle simmer. This simmers for around 5 minutes to meld those flavors, making sure the pepperoni infuses the sauce with that irresistible savory goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl and pour in the pepperoni sauce mixture. Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are beautifully combined. This blend ensures every bite bursts with cheesy, saucy, and pepperoni-packed flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top. These cheeses create a golden, bubbly crust that makes this casserole so comforting and delicious.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes to heat through and marry the flavors. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Once out of the oven, crown your creation with the reserved crispy pepperoni slices and, if you like, fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma. Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe warm and get ready to see satisfied smiles all around the table.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a wonderful garnish here, adding a touch of brightness and color that balances perfectly with the rich cheese and savory pepperoni. For a little extra flair, you can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is fairly hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also makes a delightful accompaniment, soaking up any extra sauce while keeping that pizza vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe right in the baking dish for a family-style feel or spoon it into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation. You might even sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh herbs right before serving to keep those flavors popping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making the next day’s meal taste even better. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe ahead of time, it freezes well. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until it’s hot and bubbly throughout.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave single portions, but be careful not to overheat so the cheese remains melty and delicious without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto sauce, any pasta shape like rigatoni, rotini, or shells will work wonderfully. Choose whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works great for this recipe and keeps things quick and easy. Just pick a good-quality sauce with ingredients you trust to ensure the best flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the pepperoni and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. You might also add some vegetarian “pepperoni” slices if available.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level mostly comes from the pepperoni, which varies by brand. If you want to tone it down, choose a milder pepperoni or reduce the amount. For extra spice, add red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
Yes! This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble early, refrigerate or freeze, then bake when your guests arrive for a warm, homemade feast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about a dish that combines the joy of pizza with the comfort of a baked casserole. This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites in no time.
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Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make comfort food dish that combines all the flavors of pizza in a creamy baked pasta form. Featuring penne pasta tossed in a savory marinara sauce with crispy pepperoni and melted mozzarella, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it’s a cheesy, flavorful meal that’s sure to please pizza lovers.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced (or more, depending on preference)
- 1/2 onion, diced (optional)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Pepperoni and Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pepperoni and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy. Remove about 1/4 of the pepperoni slices and set aside for topping later. If you want to add onion, cook the diced onion in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Combine the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the skillet with the remaining pepperoni. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pepperoni sauce mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the reserved crispy pepperoni slices. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
- Adding diced onion is optional but adds a nice sweetness and texture.
- For extra spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use part-skim mozzarella for a slightly lighter version of this dish.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
