Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

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Imagine combining two comfort food champions—pepperoni pizza and pasta bake—into one bubbling, cheesy, crave-worthy dish. That’s exactly what this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole delivers. Each forkful is a satisfying bite of gooey mozzarella, savory tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy pepperoni. It’s like a slice of pizza and a scoop of lasagna got together and decided to be the life of the party.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re feeding a crowd, this casserole brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a hearty, oven-baked form. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, this easy dinner idea is sure to become a repeat request in your kitchen—especially among pizza lovers who can’t get enough of that cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness.

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Ingredients for this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 20–30 slices of pepperoni
• Fresh basil or oregano for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente—don’t overcook, since it will continue baking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Meat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
If you’re using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

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Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the marinara or pizza sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then toss in the cooked pasta. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Finish by arranging the pepperoni slices over the top in an even layer.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes to crisp up the pepperoni for that pizzeria-style finish.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or oregano if desired. Serve hot and enjoy that cheesy, saucy, pepperoni-loaded delight!

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings total, using beef and full-fat cheese):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best for this casserole?

Penne, rotini, or ziti are ideal because their ridges and hollow shapes hold onto the sauce and cheese well.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the meat and load up with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix it up with provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend. Just be sure it melts well.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy pepperoni or hot Italian sausage for a kick.

Is it okay to use jarred marinara or pizza sauce?

Definitely. Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or homemade if you have it. Either one works great.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Place a portion in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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