Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you are craving something that’s a hearty crowd-pleaser but easy to whip up any night of the week, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines all the flavors we love from a classic pepperoni pizza—melty cheeses, crispy pepperoni, and vibrant marinara—layered over tender pasta to create a cozy, satisfying baked meal. Whether feeding the family or impressing friends, this casserole locks in those bold, familiar tastes in a simple, fuss-free format that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward staples that each bring an important element to this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe. From the al dente pasta forming the comforting base to the rich blend of cheeses that melt into gooey goodness, every item is essential for the perfect blend of textures and flavors.

• 12 oz penne pasta: Any pasta works, but penne nicely holds the sauce and cheese in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps crisp the pepperoni.
• 1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced: The star of the dish, delivering that spicy, savory punch.
• 1/2 onion, diced (optional): Softened onion adds gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Classic tomato sauce anchors the flavors and adds vibrant color.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that perfectly complements the pepperoni.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy pull.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish on top for extra flavor.
• Fresh basil (optional): For bright, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente—this ensures it holds up perfectly during baking without turning mushy. Drain well and set aside, so it’s ready to mix with all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Pepperoni and Sauce

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pepperoni slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re starting to crisp up and release their flavorful oils. Scoop out about a quarter of the pepperoni and set it aside for a crispy topping later. If you’re including onion, toss that into the same skillet and cook until softened—this adds a wonderful subtle sweetness that balances the spicy pepperoni beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce

Next, stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder into the skillet with the remaining pepperoni. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld and intensify. This sauce is going to be the delicious glue that binds everything together.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the pepperoni sauce mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so every bit of pasta is coated and nestled in cheesy, saucy goodness. This step ensures each bite has a balanced mix of all the components.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it down evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top—they’ll melt into a golden, bubbly layer that’s utterly irresistible. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in while baking.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake the casserole covered for 15 minutes to heat through and let the flavors marry. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, lightly browned blanket. The casserole will smell amazing, and the top will look perfectly gooey with crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve

Once out of the oven, scatter the reserved crispy pepperoni slices on top to add some texture and a pop of flavor with every bite. Garnishing with fresh basil adds a dash of color and herbaceous brightness, making each serving inviting and fresh. Serve warm for the best experience.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish for this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich tomato sauce and cheese. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads to balance out the richness. Think simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a chopped Caesar salad with crunchy croutons. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the dish perfectly if you want to keep that pizza-inspired theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a personal touch. You could also layer the ingredients in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the beautiful cheesy, saucy layers before baking—making it almost too pretty to eat, almost!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so the next-day taste can be just as satisfying as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked assembled casseroles to save time on busy days. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding a bit of extra baking time and keeping it covered initially to prevent drying out.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to retain its texture and flavor. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make the pasta a bit soggy. For best results, reheat covered with foil to keep the cheese melty and the pepperoni crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding sauce, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or even shells would work well and keep that perfect cheesy, saucy bite.

Is it possible to make this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

You can easily substitute the pepperoni with your favorite vegetarian alternatives like plant-based pepperoni slices or an extra variety of veggies such as mushrooms and bell peppers for a meat-free version.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole a day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready, or freeze it uncooked for future meals.

What can I add to make the sauce more flavorful?

Adding fresh garlic, a splash of red wine, or sautéed mushrooms can deepen the sauce’s richness. Also, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat if you like a little spice.

How do I get the pepperoni crispy on top?

Setting aside some pepperoni during cooking and adding it on top before the final bake ensures it crisps up nicely. Baking uncovered in the last 10 minutes helps them get that perfect texture without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a cozy, comforting casserole form. It’s approachable, full of crowd-pleasing tastes, and perfect for any occasion when you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and watch it become one of your weeknight go-tos.

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 71 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish that combines penne pasta, crispy pepperoni, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a hearty family meal, this casserole offers all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza in a warm, satisfying layered bake.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)

Sauce and Toppings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced (or more, depending on preference)
• 1/2 onion, diced (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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 using onion, cook the diced onion in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. 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 to meld flavors.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pepperoni sauce mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
5. Bake the Casserole: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, melty crust.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
7. 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 your delicious pepperoni pizza casserole!

Notes

• You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini for variety.
• If you prefer, use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher flavor.
• Onion is optional but adds a nice sweetness; you can omit it for a simpler taste.
• For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American