When you can’t decide between pizza night and pasta night, Pizza Pasta Casserole steps in and solves the dilemma in the most delicious way possible. This dish blends everything people love about a cheesy, saucy pizza with the hearty comfort of baked pasta. It’s rich, filling, and layered with bold flavors that feel familiar yet exciting at the same time.
Imagine tender penne pasta coated in a savory marinara and pizza sauce blend, combined with seasoned ground beef and sausage, then topped with gooey melted mozzarella and slices of pepperoni. Every bite delivers that classic pizza taste, but with the satisfying texture of a baked casserole. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without hesitation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the biggest reasons this recipe stands out is its ability to combine two comfort food favorites into one dish. You get the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza along with the heartiness of pasta, making it incredibly satisfying. It’s a meal that feels complete all on its own.
Another reason to love it is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your preferences—swap out meats, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses. It’s flexible enough to suit a variety of tastes without losing its core appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground sausage (mild, sweet, or hot Italian)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz pizza sauce
- 3/4 lb penne pasta
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 25 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
These ingredients come together to create a rich, layered flavor that truly captures the essence of both pizza and pasta.
Let’s Get Started
- Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Meat
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add Vegetables
Stir in diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. - Add Flavorings
Mix in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and beef broth. Let it simmer briefly. - Add Sauces and Seasoning
Pour in marinara and pizza sauce. Add oregano, basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 5–10 minutes. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until evenly coated. - Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top. - Add Pepperoni
Layer pepperoni slices over the cheese. - Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve
Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Pairing Variations
This recipe yields about 6–8 servings, making it ideal for families or gatherings.
It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or garlic bread, balancing the richness of the casserole with something fresh and light. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
For drinks, something simple like iced tea or sparkling water works well to complement the bold flavors without overpowering them.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize this casserole. You can add mushrooms, olives, or extra peppers for more of a pizza-style topping experience.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage. You can also reduce the cheese slightly while still maintaining a creamy texture.
If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. For a more classic pizza flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil before serving.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, use the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to keep it moist.
This casserole also freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely, any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti works well.
Is it okay to skip pepperoni?
Yes, you can leave it out or replace it with another topping.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Pizza Pasta Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort and convenience together in one pan. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Print
Pizza Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cheesy baked pasta casserole loaded with pizza flavors, including beef, sausage, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground sausage (mild, sweet, or hot Italian)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz pizza sauce
- 3/4 lb penne pasta
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 25 slices pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta until al dente; drain.
- Brown ground beef and sausage in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and broth.
- Add marinara, pizza sauce, and seasonings; simmer 5–10 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with sauce mixture.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with Parmesan, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Let cool slightly and serve.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Add mushrooms or olives for extra pizza flavor.
- Adjust spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes