If you're looking for a delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings for both pizza and pasta, then Easy Pepperoni Pasta Casserole Bake could be just the thing for you! This mouth-watering dish combines the savory flavors of sauce, pepperoni, meat, and melted cheese with the hearty texture of pasta noodles, making for a filling and flavorful meal.
If you love pizza and simple meals for dinner, this casserole is for you! It has so many things you love about pizza with Italian sausage, marinara, cheese, pepperoni, plus any other toppings you like (bacon). Use any or all of the toppings you love and make it friendly for everyone, even the pickiest eater. Let us know what you think in comments!
Try some of our other favorite casseroles, such as Pierogi Casserole, BBQ Chicken and Bacon Casserole, Bubble Up Lasagna, or Sloppy Joe Bake with Crescent Rolls.
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Ingredients for Pizza Noodle Casserole
- Italian sausage or hamburger
- penne pasta
- pepperoni
- marinara or pasta sauce
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- salt
FAQs
A Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a hearty, baked dish that combines all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza in casserole form. It typically includes pasta, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, and is baked until bubbly and golden.
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage, ground beef, bacon, spinach, or any other toppings you enjoy on a pizza.
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it just before serving.
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. It's a versatile dish that complements many sides.
Top Tips
- Cook your pasta al dente: Be sure to cook your pasta until it's just tender, but not overly soft, so that it doesn't become mushy when baked in the casserole.
- Use jarred sauce to make this even easier, but you can make your own marinara.
- Drain the Italian sausage or hamburger, so you do not mix the grease into the casserole.
- If you're looking to make it a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta and substituting turkey pepperoni for the traditional pork variety.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
How to make Pizza Pasta Casserole
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare your 9x13" baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook noodles according to box directions, until al dente, drain.
- In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage or hamburger until browned, drain any grease. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add cut up pepperoni and sauce to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Stir together pasta and meat sauce.
- Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and combine.
- Pour the pasta into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Place pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Place into preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage or hamburger
- 16 oz. penne pasta
- 8 oz. pepperoni
- 24 oz. marinara or pasta sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare your 9×13″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook noodles according to box directions, but cook to al dente.
- In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage or hamburger until browned, drain any grease. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add the cut up pepperoni and marinara sauce to the meat mixture, stir to combine.
- Stir together pasta and meat sauce.
- Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and combine.
- Pour the pasta into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Place pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- Place into preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
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