Name: Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb Ground Beef; 1/2 lb Mild Italian Sausage; 2 Cups Homemade Pizza Sauce; 4 Cups Pasta (of choice); 3 ½ Cups Mozzarella, grated, or to taste; 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese; 6 oz Pepperoni; Sliced Black Olives, optional; 2 teaspoons Garlic Parsley Seasoning (e.g., Johnny’s Garlic Spread); 1-2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning; Fresh Parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 53 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting dish that brings together the best flavors of pizza but with a cozy twist, this Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta soaked in rich homemade pizza sauce, combined with savory browned sausage and ground beef, then topped generously with melty mozzarella and pepperoni. Every bite is like your favorite pizza, but even easier to make and great for feeding family or friends at the dinner table. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser that feels both hearty and fun, making weeknight meals something to look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. There is a large bowl filled with light yellow cooked pasta with ridges, a white bowl heaped with shredded white cheese, and small white bowls containing dark black sliced olives, white grated cheese, and a mix of light and dark seasoning. A clear glass measuring cup holds thick red sauce with visible herbs. On a white speckled plate, there are two types of raw ground meat, one pink and one with a darker hue and small white chunks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with ingredients you likely have on hand or can quickly grab. Every component plays a key role, from the savory meats that bring depth, to the mozzarella that melts into gooey perfection, creating layers of flavor and texture that make the dish stand out.

1/2 lb Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
1/2 lb Mild Italian Sausage: Adds a subtle spiced kick to complement the beef without overwhelming.
2 Cups Homemade Pizza Sauce: The heart of the dish, delivering a vibrant, tangy tomato essence.
4 Cups Pasta, of choice: Acts as the comforting, chewy component that holds all the flavors together.
3 ½ Cups Mozzarella, grated: Melts beautifully, giving that irresistible stretchy cheese layer on top.
6 oz Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that introduces a little smoky spice and crispy finish.
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty contrast.
Sliced Black Olives (optional): Adds a briny pop of flavor and vibrant color.
2 teaspoons Garlic Parsley Seasoning: Infuses herbal and garlicky notes, elevating every bite.
1-2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish—adds freshness and a burst of color when serving.

How to Make Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef and mild Italian sausage. Brown the meats well, breaking them up as they cook so they become crumbly and deliciously savory. Once cooked, drain any excess fat but keep the meat in the skillet to retain the flavor for the sauce.

Step 2: Add the Pizza Sauce

Pour in the homemade pizza sauce directly into the skillet with the browned meat. Stir gently to combine, allowing the sauce to mingle with the meat juices and soak up all that hearty flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce and meat blend, boil your pasta according to package instructions just until al dente. This ensures the pasta maintains a nice bite once baked in the casserole. After draining, mix the pasta straight into the sauce and meat mixture, coating every piece with that rich, tomatoey goodness.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella over the top, then lay half of the pepperoni slices to cover the cheese. This layering creates pockets of cheesy, meaty delight throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Repeat and Top

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and pepperoni. Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and optional sliced black olives across the surface. Finish by dusting with garlic parsley seasoning and Italian seasoning for a burst of savory herbs.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in your preheated 350℉ oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden—this step ensures melty cheese with perfectly crisp pepperoni edges.

How to Serve Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner Recipe

A white casserole dish filled with two visible layers: the bottom layer is white shredded cheese peeking through the edges, and the top layer is a mix of rigatoni pasta coated in tomato sauce with ground meat and slices of pepperoni, giving a rich reddish-brown color and crumbly texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with part of a gray bowl full of shredded cheese showing in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the finished casserole adds a pop of green and a hint of fresh herbaceousness that balances the rich flavors. You can also consider adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat.

Side Dishes

This pizza casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad to complement the rich, cheesy layers. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make excellent accompaniments to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a single-serving presentation at dinner parties or family meals. Alternatively, layering the casserole in a clear glass dish lets you showcase the colorful layers of pasta, cheese, and pepperoni which makes the meal look just as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second dinners during the week.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, freeze it before baking by assembling in a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350℉ for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions but keep in mind the crusty top won’t stay as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work wonderfully because they hold sauce well, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the casserole.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage, and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You might want to add some extra seasoning to keep the flavors bold and satisfying.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance and bake it later?

Definitely. This is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it ideal for busy days or entertaining.

What kind of pizza sauce works best here?

Homemade pizza sauce is ideal for the freshest flavor as called for in this Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner Recipe, but good quality store-bought pizza sauce or marinara also works great and saves time.

How can I add more spice to the casserole?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce or sprinkle some over the top before baking. You can also swap in spicy sausage or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pizza Casserole Dinner Recipe is truly a keeper that transforms simple ingredients into a joyful, hearty meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it balances comfort with convenience in the best way. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to dinners!