Why Make This Recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a fun twist on traditional pizza. It combines all your favorite pizza flavors into a warm, cheesy dish. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for families or gatherings. Plus, you can easily personalize it with your favorite toppings. Make it for a weeknight dinner or serve it at parties; everyone will love it!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole hot from the oven. You can pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Add extra toppings like crushed red pepper or fresh basil on top for some extra flavor.
How to Store Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and then cover it tightly. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Make sure to cook your pasta until it is al dente. It will continue to cook while baking.
- For extra flavor, use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought.
- You can mix in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Variation
Feel free to switch up the toppings! You can add cooked sausage, olives, or even use different cheese like cheddar or provolone. For a veggie option, use black olives and veggies instead of pepperoni.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like, such as rotini, fusilli, or penne.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can add a little extra cheese on top if desired.
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini) Cook until al dente.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Use store-bought or homemade.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Adjust to taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper To enhance flavor.
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided: 1.5 cups for mixture, 0.5 cups for topping.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni Can be substituted with other toppings.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy! Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread.