Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole is a delicious and hassle-free dish that brings all the best parts of pizza into one comforting bake. It’s filled with gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings mixed right into a casserole that everyone will love. The crispy edges and melty center make it a real crowd-pleaser.
I love making this casserole when I want something tasty but don’t feel like fussing over dough or waiting for delivery. It saves so much time and still has that satisfying pizza flavor that my whole family asks for again and again. Plus, it’s easy to swap out toppings to match whatever you have on hand.
My favorite way to serve it is straight from the oven with a simple green salad on the side. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm meal without the extra work. This pizza casserole always feels like a little celebration at our dinner table, even on the busiest days!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini works great because its twists hold sauce well. Replace with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you like. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used for dietary preferences.
Ground Meat: Italian sausage adds spicy flavor and richness, but ground beef or turkey works too. For a vegetarian version, skip meat or add cooked mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, giving gooey texture. You can use pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience, but fresh has better melt and flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade tomato sauce. For a twist, try adding a bit of crushed red pepper for heat or substituting with pizza sauce.
Pepperoni & Olives: Classic pizza toppings here! Feel free to swap with cooked veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or swap olives for sliced black or green olives based on your taste.
How Do You Make the Casserole Stay Moist but Not Soggy?
The key is balancing the sauce and pasta amount and baking uncovered so excess moisture evaporates.
- Cook pasta just until al dente; overcooked pasta will get mushy when baked.
- Use a sauce that’s not too watery. If it seems thin, let it simmer a bit to thicken before mixing.
- Mix sauce and pasta thoroughly so pasta is coated but not swimming in sauce.
- Bake uncovered to let moisture escape; this helps form crispy edges and keeps the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to let it set up for easier slicing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Large pot – to cook the pasta quickly and evenly.
- Large skillet – for browning the meat and sautéing garlic; nonstick helps cleanup.
- Mixing bowl – to toss pasta with sauce and cheese comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring meat and combining ingredients gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for cooked shredded chicken when you want a lighter protein option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and a little sweetness.
- Use spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
- Mix ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce for a creamier, richer casserole experience.
Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini or other pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40 minutes total. You’ll need around 15 minutes to prep and cook the pasta and meat sauce, then 20-25 minutes to bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and golden. Plus, let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish so your cheesy pasta won’t stick.
2. Cook Pasta and Meat Sauce:
Boil the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage or ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until nicely browned. Drain any extra fat if needed, then stir in the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to bring all the flavors together.
3. Mix and Bake the Casserole:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well, then transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Arrange the pepperoni slices and black olives evenly over the cheese.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the edges.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set up nicely for easy serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a touch of color and fresh flavor before serving. Enjoy your homemade, easy weeknight pizza casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the ground sausage or beef completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. This will help it cook evenly and safely.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to step 9, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it for 25-30 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
For sure! Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or any favorite pizza toppings. Just keep the balance of cheese and sauce for best results.
