Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

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Imagine the gooey, cheesy delight of your favorite pepperoni pizza—now picture that comfort layered in a bubbling casserole dish, baked to golden perfection. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate fusion of weeknight convenience and irresistible pizza flavor. Each bite is packed with melty mozzarella, zesty marinara, savory pepperoni slices, and tender pasta, creating a one-dish wonder that satisfies cravings and saves time.

This is more than just a casserole—it’s a family-style celebration of everything you love about pizza, reimagined into an oven-ready, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner, potluck, or meal prep, it brings the same joy and satisfaction as delivery pizza—with half the mess and twice the heart.

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Ingredients for this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for extra protein)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni (mini or regular)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni (or penne) and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—it will bake further in the oven.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce (Optional but Flavorful)

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened—about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

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Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Stir in half the mozzarella and half the pepperoni slices.

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and grated Parmesan.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil if desired. Serve hot—and enjoy the gooey, pizza-inspired goodness!

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fat: ~22g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Cholesterol: ~55mg
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sodium: ~860mg
• Sugar: ~6g

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the meat and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, olives, or any veggies you love for a hearty vegetarian version.

What pasta works best?

Rigatoni, penne, or ziti are ideal because they hold sauce well and bake nicely without getting mushy.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely! A quality store-bought pizza sauce or marinara works perfectly. Choose one with bold flavor and minimal sugar.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not by default. To add a kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes. Assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready, adding 10 extra minutes to the cook time if cold.

How do I prevent it from drying out?

Cover with foil for the first half of baking, and don’t overcook the pasta beforehand. Adding a bit more sauce also helps.

Can I add other cheeses?

Go for it! Mix in cheddar, provolone, or even a little ricotta for a cheesy twist.

What can I serve it with?

Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

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