This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Packed with pasta, marinara, gooey cheese, and crispy pepperoni—it’s everything you love about pizza in an easy, crowd-pleasing bake.
You ever have one of those nights where you really want pizza, but you also want pasta, and you just… can’t decide? That was me last week. I was standing in my kitchen, staring into the fridge like it was about to answer my dilemma for me. (It did not.)
But then I spotted a bag of pasta, a jar of marinara, and a pack of pepperoni I had totally forgotten about. And just like that, the idea hit me—why not just combine everything into one big, cheesy, ridiculous casserole? A pizza-inspired pasta bake. Pure genius, if I do say so myself.
So I threw it all together, baked it until the cheese was golden and bubbly, and boom—a new family favorite was born. Now, anytime we can’t agree between pizza and pasta, this is the answer. It’s fast, foolproof, and, honestly, I might even like it better than regular pizza. (Don’t tell pizza I said that.)
Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe?
- Pizza + Pasta = Magic – If you can’t choose between the two, why not have both?
- Ridiculously Easy – A few ingredients, one dish, and zero stress.
- That Cheese Pull Though… – If you love melty, stretchy cheese, this one’s for you.
- Great for a Crowd – It feeds a hungry table with zero complaints.
- Totally Customizable – Want more toppings? Go for it. Swap out the pasta? Easy.
Ingredient Notes:
Every single ingredient in this dish plays a role. Here’s why they matter:
- Pasta – I use penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi—the kind of pasta that holds onto all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Marinara Sauce – A good-quality store-bought sauce works fine, but if you have homemade, even better!
- Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – The little extra somethin’ somethin’ that gives it real pizza flavor.
- Pepperoni – Half gets mixed in for flavor, the rest crisps up on top like a classic pizza.
- Mozzarella Cheese – You cannot skimp on this one. The gooier, the better!
Pro Tip: Want to level this up even more? Add grated Parmesan or a little garlic powder for extra flavor!
How To Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it two minutes less than the package says. Why? Because it’ll keep cooking in the oven, and nobody wants mushy pasta. Drain and return it to the pot.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
To the pasta, stir in 4 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, half of the pepperoni slices, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Give it a good stir until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella over the top and arrange the rest of the pepperoni slices however you like—organized and neat, or totally random. (No judgment here.)
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbling. If you want that perfect crispy, slightly golden cheese topping, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 5: Let It Rest & Serve
I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up so your servings stay nice and cheesy instead of turning into a molten mess. Then grab a plate and enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on it? Here are some ideas:
- Meat Lovers’ Version – Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or crispy bacon.
- Veggie-Packed – Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, olives—go wild!
- Extra Cheese – Stir in some Parmesan, provolone, or ricotta.
- Make It Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sauce and pepperoni are GF-friendly.
What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
It’s already a full meal, but if you want to round things out, here are some great pairings:
- Garlic Bread – Because more carbs are always a good idea.
- Crisp Green Salad – A little freshness to balance out the cheesy goodness.
- Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus would be perfect.
- Mozzarella Sticks – If you want to go all-in on the cheese theme.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like ziti or rotini will work great.
Do I have to use pepperoni?
Nope! You can swap it for cooked sausage, ham, or even go cheese-only.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yep! Layer the cooked pasta and ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
You NEED to Try This!
If you love pizza, pasta, and easy meals, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is about to be your new best friend. It’s quick, ridiculously comforting, and disappears way too fast—trust me on that one.
Now tell me—what’s your favorite pizza topping? Let’s chat in the comments!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 oz. uncooked penne cavatappi, or rigatoni pasta
- 4 c marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 11 oz. pepperoni divided
- 4 c shredded mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Adjust the rack to a level, above the middle. Use cooking spray to grease a casserole dish measuring 9x13 inches.
- In a pot bring water to a boil. Add the pasta. Cook it for 2 minutes less than what the package instructions suggest. Drain the water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- To the pot with the pasta add 4 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, half of the pepperoni slices and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Thoroughly mix all these ingredients together.
- Transfer this pasta mixture into the casserole dish ensuring an even spread. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top. Arrange the rest of the pepperoni slices.
- Place the dish in your oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until you see melted and bubbly cheese. For an added touch broil, for 2 to 3 minutes until you achieve brown cheese and crispy pepperoni.
- Allow your casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
