Spice up your pizza night with a delicious and easy pepperoni pizza casserole recipe! Not only is it easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights, but it's also a crowd-pleaser that will leave the entire family wanting more.
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To make this dish, you'll need all the classic pizza ingredients - pepperoni, cheese, and pizza sauce, along with some pasta and spices. The best part about this recipe is that you can customize it to your liking. Want to add some veggies? Go ahead! Prefer a spicier kick? Add some red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless with this versatile dish.
Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a party, this pepperoni pizza casserole is sure to impress. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that will become a staple in your meal rotation. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
Why You'll Love It
- It's easy to make. This recipe requires minimal prep work and only a handful of ingredients. You can have it ready to bake in just a few minutes.
- It's a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting a party, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It's cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying.
- It's customizable. You can easily switch up the toppings to suit your preferences. Add some diced up green peppers, sliced black olives, red onion slices, or some cooked Italian sausage.
- It's a great way to use up leftovers. Have some extra pasta or pizza sauce in the fridge? Toss it in with the rest of the ingredients for an even easier meal.
Ingredients
Pasta noodles - the best pasta shape for this recipe is something on the short side like penne or bowties. Macaroni will also work as well as egg noodles. I used penne, but cavatappi pasta or rotini pasta would be fun too.
Pepperoni - you can buy a whole pepperoni, but pepperoni slices are much easier to work with and will make putting this dish together a breeze. Mini pepperoni is also easy to work with. You don't have to limit yourself to pepperoni though, you could try some cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or ground sausage.
Pizza sauce - this is what gives this easy casserole dish that true pizza flavor! Use your favorite pizza sauce, but you could also try some marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce, or a homemade version.
Italian seasoning - this all purpose seasoning has all the flavorful herbs you'll need. Feel free to add some dried oregano or basil if you want.
Mozzarella cheese - this classic pizza cheese melts beautifully.
Cheddar cheese - not the usual, but adds great flavor.
Parmesan cheese - another classic pizza cheese, this will give this pizza bake another layer of flavor. You can also try some asiago, smoked provolone, or some Romano.
Instructions
This is an overview with step by step photos. Recipe card contains precise amounts.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to package directions for al dente. Drain pasta well in a colander.
STEP TWO: Reserve 24 slices of pepperoni for the top. Dice the remaining slices into quarters or smaller (I prefer a smaller dice so the pieces get well distributed).
STEP THREE: Combine cooked pasta, chopped pepperoni, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Mix well to combine. Spritz a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
STEP FOUR: Top pasta with shredded cheeses and pepperoni slices.
STEP FIVE: Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes and until edges are bubble and cheese is completely melted. Let rest a couple minutes before serving.
How to Store
After you have made your delicious pepperoni pizza casserole, you may want to store the leftovers for later. Here are some tips on how to properly store your casserole:
- Allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container and keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover it the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
- When reheating the casserole, make sure to thaw it completely if it was frozen. You can reheat it in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave smaller portions until desired temperature.
- Avoid reheating the casserole more than once as this can affect the texture and taste.
Variations
If you're looking to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of variations you can make to this pepperoni pizza casserole recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add chicken: If you're not a fan of pepperoni or just want to switch things up, try adding some leftover chicken or some rotisserie chicken. It's a great way to add some protein for a deliciously balanced dinner.
- Use Ground Turkey or Sausage: Feel free to use ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef in this recipe. Both will add their own unique flavor to the dish. Just be sure it's thoroughly cooked before adding it in.
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Try adding some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the casserole. It'll add some extra flavor and nutrition. For best results, cook veggies first to release their moisture so your casserole won't get soggy.
- Make it Pink: Add a little color to your casserole by using a pink tomato sauce instead of the traditional red. It'll be a fun twist on the classic dish.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For a rustic look and feel, try making this casserole in a cast iron skillet. It'll give the dish a unique texture and presentation.
Tips
Making a delicious pepperoni pizza casserole requires a few tips to ensure success. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect casserole!
- Add more pepperoni or cheese - double the amounts if you want!
- Choose different cheeses: Don't limit your casserole to mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. Try Romano, provolone, or gouda for a differnt flavor and texture.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings: While pepperoni is a classic pizza topping, feel free to add your favorite toppings to the casserole. Some great options include mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy casserole. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Let the casserole cool before serving: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving will help the cheese set and make it easier to serve.
- To make ahead: Assemble the pepperoni pizza casserole and cover tightly with foil. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious pepperoni pizza casserole that your whole family will love.
FAQ
If you want to make a vegetarian version of this pepperoni pizza casserole, you can simply omit the pepperoni. Instead, you can add some vegetables of your choice like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also use vegetarian sausage, tofu crumbles, or tempeh as a substitute for meat.
To make this casserole healthier, you can use low-fat or fat-free cheese instead of regular cheese. You can also use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Additionally, you can add some vegetables to the dish to increase its nutritional value. Consider adding spinach, kale, or broccoli to the casserole.
If you want to make this pizza casserole without pasta, you can use zucchini or eggplant slices instead. Simply slice the zucchini or eggplant into thin rounds and layer them in the casserole dish. You can also use cauliflower rice or quinoa as a substitute for pasta.
Remember, you can always experiment with different ingredients to make this casserole your own. Be creative and have fun with it!
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📖 Recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne cooked
- 6 ounces pepperoni slices, divided chopped
- 24 ounces pizza sauce or marinara, spaghetti sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning dried
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded or grated
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves garnish; optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 16 oz penne pasta to package directions for al dente. Drain pasta well in a colander.
- Reserve 24 slices of pepperoni for the top. Chop the remaining slices into quarters or smaller (I prefer a smaller dice so the pieces get well distributed).
- Combine cooked pasta, chopped pepperoni, 24 oz pizza sauce, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Mix well to combine. Spritz a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Top pasta with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, and remaining pepperoni slices.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes and until hot throughout, the edges are bubbling, and cheese is completely melted. Let rest a couple minutes before serving.
- Top with chopped parsley and basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
- If you're not a fan of pepperoni or just want to switch things up, try adding some leftover chicken or some rotisserie chicken. It's a great way to add some protein for a deliciously balanced dinner.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef in this recipe. Both will add their own unique flavor to the dish. Just be sure it's thoroughly cooked before adding it in.
- Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Try adding some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the casserole. It'll add some extra flavor and nutrition. For best results, cook veggies first to release their moisture so your casserole won't get soggy.
- Add a little color to your casserole by using a pink tomato sauce instead of the traditional red. It'll be a fun twist on the classic dish. Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For a rustic look and feel, try making this casserole in a cast iron skillet. It'll give the dish a unique texture and presentation.
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