pepperoni pizza casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pepperoni pizza casserole recipe

I’ve been making this pepperoni pizza casserole recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with the gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and crunchy crust all coming together in a delicious package. I love how easy it is to make, too – just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the rest.

My kids are always asking for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) , and I have to admit that I’m not immune to the allure of this tasty casserole either. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions, and it’s also a great way to get some veggies in – just add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for an extra nutritional boost.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different toppings or using different types of cheese. My family loves it when I make this casserole on Sunday nights, so we can all enjoy a relaxing dinner together after a long week. And the leftovers are just as good – if not better!

– than the first time around. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out, give this pepperoni pizza casserole a shot – I promise you won’t be disappointed. One thing that sets this recipe apart is the use of pizza dough instead of traditional pasta or rice.

This gives the casserole a more rustic, homemade feel that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch – just mix together some flour, yeast, water, and salt, and let the dough rise until it’s nice and fluffy.

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

4.9 from 578 votes

This pepperoni pizza casserole combines all the flavors of a classic pizza in a hearty baked dish. It features layers of pasta, savory tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni for a family-friendly meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

12 oz rotini or penne pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz sliced pepperoni

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes.
4Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
5Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
6Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in a large bowl, then transfer half of the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then layer half of the pepperoni slices on top.
9Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni.
10Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
11Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
12The top should be golden and the edges slightly crispy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Colander
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-fat cheese. You can also add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra toppings.

This pepperoni pizza casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it’s so versatile and easy to customize.

You can serve it hot out of the oven with some crusty bread on the side, or let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing for later use.

Either way, be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

The type of cheese you use will depend on your personal preferences – mozzarella is a classic choice because it melts so well and adds a creamy texture to the casserole. You could also try using cheddar or parmesan for a slightly sharper flavor.

Can I make this recipe without pepperoni?

You can definitely customize this recipe by substituting different meats or omitting them altogether if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

How do I store leftover casserole?

This casserole freezes beautifully – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stash it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I reheat this casserole in the microwave?

Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible – instead, try warming it up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

I don’t have pizza dough on hand – can I use something else?

You can substitute pizza dough with regular pasta or rice if you don’t have time to make homemade dough from scratch.

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