If you love pizza but want something a bit easier to make and share, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is your new go-to comfort food. Combining the best flavors of classic pizza—gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, spicy pepperoni—with tender pasta, this casserole is a weeknight winner for families, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone craving a cozy, cheesy dish. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly delicious, it takes pizza night to a whole new level.
Why This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
Pizza casseroles are the perfect bridge between pasta and pizza—two beloved Italian staples. While pizza requires dough, rolling, and sometimes a lot of patience, this casserole is a quicker, less messy alternative that delivers all the flavors of pepperoni pizza but in a baked pasta dish form. You get layers of savory sauce, melted cheese, and pepperoni mingled with perfectly cooked rotini pasta that holds everything together.
If you’ve been looking for a new way to spice up your dinner routine or want to try a comforting casserole that’s family-friendly, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.
Ingredients Breakdown
Understanding each ingredient and its role can elevate your cooking experience and help you adapt the recipe to your taste.
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Rotini Pasta (12 oz): Rotini’s spiral shape is perfect for catching bits of sauce and cheese in every bite. You can substitute penne or rigatoni if preferred.
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Marinara Sauce (24 oz): Choose a high-quality or homemade marinara for rich tomato flavor. The sauce forms the heart of this dish.
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Pepperoni (1 cup diced + ½ cup whole slices): Pepperoni brings the classic spicy, smoky flavor of pizza. The diced pepperoni gets mixed in, while whole slices on top add a beautiful, crispy texture after baking.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 ½ cups): Mozzarella melts wonderfully, providing gooey, stringy cheese pull—essential for pizza dishes.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor.
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Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing veggies, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps develop flavor.
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Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed.
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Green Bell Pepper (1 medium, chopped): Brings color and a mild crunch with a slightly sweet flavor.
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Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic offers aromatic pungency that complements the tomato and cheese.
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Salt (1 tsp) and Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp): Seasoning balances and brings out all flavors.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking casseroles—melting the cheese nicely and allowing flavors to meld without drying the dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s al dente—cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will cook further in the oven.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
4. Add Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma but doesn’t brown (which can make it bitter).
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and garlic. Stir well to combine. Then add the cooked pasta, diced pepperoni, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or nonstick spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
7. Top with Cheese and Pepperoni Slices
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan evenly over the top. Arrange the whole pepperoni slices on top for an attractive finish and to get that crisp pizza topping effect after baking.
8. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly, melted, and lightly browned.
9. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Preparation Time and Nutritional Information
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Servings: 6 generous portions
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Calories per Serving: Approximately 586 kcal
The calorie count is based on typical ingredient brands and standard portions. For a lower-calorie version, you could use reduced-fat cheese or substitute whole wheat pasta.
Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
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Spice it up: Swap out pepperoni for spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
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Add veggies: Incorporate mushrooms, black olives, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
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Cheese variety: Experiment by mixing mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a gourmet twist.
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Make ahead: Prepare the casserole the day before, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenience.
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Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After baking and cooling, portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.
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No-boil pasta option: Use no-boil pasta sheets or penne and increase the sauce slightly to ensure pasta cooks fully during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks round out the meal perfectly for those craving more carbs. For a balanced meal, add steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes, gluten-free pasta works well here. Just adjust cooking time as per package instructions.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Substitute pepperoni with sliced mushrooms, olives, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Q: How should leftovers be stored?
A: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a family-friendly, easy-to-make recipe that combines the best elements of pizza and pasta into one warm, cheesy dish. Its simplicity, paired with rich flavors and comforting textures, makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual dinners with friends.
Enjoy creating this casserole, and don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking and buon appetito!