Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with this Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole—a comforting, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible dish that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a hearty casserole form! Imagine layers of tender pasta, a rich marinara sauce loaded with spicy Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, and gooey melted cheese… Yum! This is the perfect family-friendly dinner that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this casserole will be a hit. And guess what? It’s freezer-friendly too, making it a great make-ahead meal! Gather around the table and dig in!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni works best)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

this Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture. Toss until the pasta is well coated. Pour half of this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with half of the pepperoni slices and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, pepperoni, and cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This ensures that the pasta doesn’t become too soft or mushy when baked with the sauce and cheese. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven!
Drain Excess Grease: If you’re using a higher-fat sausage, make sure to drain off any excess grease after cooking it. This prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy and helps the flavors shine through.
Layer for Maximum Flavor: When assembling the casserole, layering the ingredients (like pepperoni and cheese) helps each bite have that delicious, cheesy, and savory taste. Don’t just mix everything together—layering creates pockets of melted cheese and pepperoni that mimic a real pizza!

Substitutions and Variations

Protein Options: If you want a different meat or a lighter option, swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based sausage. Just be sure to season them well with Italian herbs (like oregano and basil) to keep that delicious pizza flavor.
Vegetarian Version: To make this casserole vegetarian, skip the sausage and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, olives, spinach, or eggplant. You can also use a plant-based pepperoni or vegan sausage to keep the same “meaty” texture and flavor.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic pizza cheeses, but feel free to mix in others like cheddar, provolone, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a twist. A little ricotta or cottage cheese can also be added to create a creamier, lasagna-like texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works best in this casserole. They hold up well during baking and soak up the sauce perfectly. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand.

Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage?

Definitely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken are great alternatives to Italian sausage if you prefer a different protein or want a lighter option. Just be sure to season the meat with Italian herbs (oregano, basil, garlic powder) for that classic pizza flavor.

What other toppings can I add to this casserole?

Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings! Some popular additions include mushrooms, black olives, green olives, spinach, sliced jalapeños, or even some cooked bacon bits. Get creative!

More Relevant Recipes to Try:

If you loved this Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, here are a few more delicious and comforting recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners:

• Pizza Pasta Bake with Sausage: A cheesy, saucy pasta bake that combines all your favorite pizza flavors with savory sausage. You can find the full recipe here.
• Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Pasta: This delicious pasta dish by Deep South Dish combines the bold flavors of sausage, pepperoni, and cheese in a simple and tasty bake. Check it out here.
• Sausage Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: Amanda’s Cookin’ offers another take on this classic combination with a casserole that’s packed with flavor and perfect for the whole family. Get the recipe here.

These recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious, hearty, and pizza-inspired dinners! Save them and try them out, and don’t forget to let me know which one becomes your new favorite!

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