Supreme Pizza Casserole (55 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

Pizza casserole is a delightful fusion of classic pizza flavors and the hearty comfort of a pasta bake. This casserole combines tender penne pasta with layers of zesty pepperoni, melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and a mix of black olives, green pepper, and onion, mirroring the beloved toppings of a traditional pizza.

It’s an ideal dish for those who love pizza but want the satisfying feel of a baked pasta meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Cook Penne Pasta (10-12 minutes): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce (2 minutes): In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with the marinara or pizza sauce.
  4. Assemble Casserole (5 minutes): In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sauced pasta. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, sautéed vegetables, and black olives. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
  5. Bake (25-30 minutes): Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  6. Serve (5 minutes): Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning before serving.

Notes

To ensure your pizza casserole is a hit, focus on layering the flavors just like you would with a pizza. The pasta should be cooked al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Using a good quality marinara or pizza sauce can make a big difference in flavor.

Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preferences, much like you would with a traditional pizza. This casserole is a fun and comforting dish that combines the best of two beloved meals – pizza and pasta – into one delicious experience.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 45g

Pair this with...

Homemade Marinara

Kick things off with some ripe, juicy tomatoes – Roma or San Marzano are excellent choices. In a large pot, sauté finely diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they're translucent. As they soften, they'll lay the aromatic foundation for your sauce. Next, add in the tomatoes, either crushed or finely diced, depending on your texture preference. To elevate the flavors, toss in some seasonings: salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of sugar to balance the acidity. Herbs like basil, oregano, and a bay leaf can be added to infuse the sauce with earthy notes. Let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld. Over time, the sauce will thicken and develop a rich, robust character. Once you're happy with its consistency and taste, remove it from the heat.

Caesar Side Salad

Start with fresh romaine lettuce—tear it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a bowl. Drizzle on some Caesar dressing; you can make your own with garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, or use a store-bought version for convenience. Give the lettuce a good toss to ensure it's well-coated. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that sharp, savory punch. Top it off with croutons for that essential crunch. If you're feeling a bit fancy, a couple of anchovy fillets can be added on top. Serve immediately.

Marinated Artichokes

Start with fresh artichoke hearts. If you're using whole artichokes, trim away the outer leaves and steam until tender, then scoop out the inner fuzzy choke, leaving just the tender heart. For the marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, a pinch of dried oregano (or fresh herbs if you have them), salt, and pepper. Add a little red pepper flake if you're in the mood for some heat. Immerse the artichoke hearts in this marinade and let them soak in all that zesty goodness for a few hours, or overnight for even more flavor. Before serving, top with fresh parsley or other fresh herbs.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Rice and Crispy Bacon (30 Minutes)

Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki (25 Minutes)

Danish Meatballs and Hot Stewed Cabbage (30-35 Minutes)

Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon and Scallions (42 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!