Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza Pasta Casserole brings together all your favorite pizza flavors in one cheesy, comforting, family-friendly dish. This hearty baked pasta is loaded with tender rotini, savory ground beef, pepperoni, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella—making it a perfect one-pan dinner for busy weeknights that kids and adults alike will love!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole
• For Topping
• How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Pasta
• Step 3: Brown the Beef
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Bake the Casserole
• Step 6: Add Toppings
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Pair with Garlic Bread
• Add a Garden Salad
• Include Steamed Vegetables
• Serve with Extra Marinara Sauce
• Top with Fresh Basil
• Enjoy with a Glass of Red Wine
• How to Perfect Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Reheating Pizza Pasta Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I customize my Pizza Pasta Casserole?
• How do I make this dish vegetarian?
• Can I use different pasta shapes?
• How do I know when my casserole is done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Pizza Pasta Casserole comes together in under an hour, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and familiar pizza flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one baking dish—perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this casserole by adding your favorite toppings or vegetables.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools at hand. This will help streamline your cooking process and make everything easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta; a good pot ensures even cooking.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning the ground beef and mixing flavors together.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy combining of all ingredients without spilling.
• Baking dish: The 9×13 inch size is ideal for holding all the ingredients together while baking.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (6 oz) package pepperoni, chopped (reserve 20 whole slices for topping)
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 36 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20 whole pepperoni slices (reserved from package)

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How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta but do not rinse. Set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture. Add chopped pepperoni (reserving 20 slices), diced green pepper, diced onion, marinara sauce, and 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the combined pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Remove from oven and sprinkle with an additional cup of mozzarella cheese. Arrange the reserved pepperoni slices on top before returning it to bake for another 10–15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy your delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole!

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza Pasta Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side for a perfect complement to the cheesy casserole.

Add a Garden Salad

• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the casserole. Toss with a light vinaigrette for extra flavor.

Include Steamed Vegetables

• Steamed Vegetables: Brighten up your meal with steamed broccoli or green beans. They add color and nutrition to your plate.

Serve with Extra Marinara Sauce

• Extra Marinara Sauce: Offer a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling over individual servings. It enhances the pizza flavors beautifully.

Top with Fresh Basil

• Fresh Basil: Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and aroma to the dish.

Enjoy with a Glass of Red Wine

• Red Wine: A glass of red wine pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of Pizza Pasta Casserole, making it feel like an Italian feast.

How to Perfect Pizza Pasta Casserole

To ensure your Pizza Pasta Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook pasta al dente since it will continue cooking while baking.
• Mix Evenly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined so every bite is flavorful.
• Layer Your Cheese: For an extra cheesy top, layer different types of cheese like provolone or cheddar along with mozzarella.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest after baking; this helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variety.

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Best Side Dishes for Pizza Pasta Casserole

Serving sides can make your meal more satisfying and enjoyable. Here are some great options that pair well with Pizza Pasta Casserole.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing, perfect alongside hearty casserole.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These are deliciously caramelized and add a nice crunch. Toss them in olive oil and roast until golden.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for refreshing bites.
4. Vegetable Medley: A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables adds both color and nutrients to your meal.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the warm casserole, enhancing the overall texture.
6. Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks are perfect for dipping into leftover marinara sauce on your plate.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can be a fun finger food accompaniment.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese or sausage make a delightful starter before diving into the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Pizza Pasta Casserole, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your ground beef can lead to bland casserole. Always use Italian seasoning and salt for optimal flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the rotini too long makes it mushy when baked. Follow package directions and aim for al dente.
• Not draining excess grease: Leaving grease from the beef can make your casserole oily. Be sure to drain it thoroughly after cooking.
• Ignoring ingredient ratios: Using too much or too little marinara sauce can alter the consistency. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Baking without a cover: Not covering the baking dish can dry out your casserole. Use aluminum foil during the first half of baking if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pizza Pasta Casserole in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Place cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pizza Pasta Casserole

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Pizza Pasta Casserole?

Yes! You can add veggies like mushrooms or spinach or swap out meats for sausage or chicken.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Pizza Pasta Casserole, omit meat and add additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While rotini works well, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer.

How do I know when my casserole is done?

Your casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, typically after about 10–15 additional minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Pasta Casserole is a delightful combination of flavors that appeals to both kids and adults. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for any family dinner. Give this easy recipe a try for your next meal, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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