Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole brings all the delicious flavors of pizza into a comforting, hearty casserole! Layers of pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, melted cheese, and seasonings come together for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheesy casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing twist on classic pizza!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for added flavor)
1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni (or more if desired)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer the cooked pasta over the sauce. Top the pasta with a portion of the pepperoni slices, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add More Layers: Add another layer of marinara sauce on top of the cheese, followed by more pasta, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, making sure the final layer is cheese on top.
Bake: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can add extra toppings such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to customize your pizza casserole.
For a crispier top, bake the casserole uncovered for the entire time or broil for a few minutes at the end to get the cheese extra bubbly.
You can use turkey pepperoni or a vegetarian substitute for a lighter or meat-free version.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: pizza casserole, pepperoni casserole, easy pizza casserole, pasta casserole, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole, comfort food