Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole is a quick and comforting meal that brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza into one cozy dish. Packed with gooey melted cheese, savory tomato sauce, pepperoni, and a soft, pasta-like base, it’s a perfect way to enjoy pizza without needing to roll out dough or wait for delivery.
I love making this casserole when my week gets busy because it comes together so fast and everyone in the family loves it. One of my favorite tricks is to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms right into the mix, making it a little healthier without losing that classic pizza taste.
Serving it straight from the oven, bubbly and warm, is always a hit at our house. I usually pair it with a simple side salad to balance out the richness. This dish is one of those easy meals that feels like a treat but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen—perfect for those fun but hectic weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta holds sauce well and adds great texture. You can swap with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini for a similar effect.
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken make lighter options. Vegetarians can try plant-based meat or extra mushrooms to keep it hearty.
Pizza Sauce: A good quality jarred pizza sauce works well here, but marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce can be used too. For extra flavor, add Italian herbs or a splash of red wine.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch. Parmesan adds a nice bite. You can mix in provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
Pepperoni: This gives a nice spicy-meaty punch. Swap for cooked Italian sausage or vegetarian pepperoni slices if preferred.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cheese Melt Without Overcooking?
To get melty, bubbly cheese without drying out the casserole, follow these tips:
- Cover the casserole with foil while baking to lock in moisture for the first 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly and bubble up.
- Use a mix of cheese types—mozzarella for stretch and Parmesan for flavor—to create a tasty, gooey top.
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the pasta evenly without sticking.
- Large skillet – great for browning the ground beef and mixing in sauce.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough for layering the casserole and baking it evenly.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining pasta and sauce before baking.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep moisture in the casserole while baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition and color.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in fresh basil or oregano before baking for a fresh herb taste.
Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20-25 slices pepperoni
Seasonings & Cooking:
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time, including cooking pasta and sautéing beef, plus 30-35 minutes of baking time. After a short 5-minute rest once out of the oven, it’s ready to enjoy! Perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Cook Pasta:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta following the package directions until it’s just tender (al dente). Then, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
2. Cook the Beef and Sauce:
In a big skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring to break it apart. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and half the Italian seasoning. Drain any extra fat, then stir in the pizza sauce and sliced black olives. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors mingle.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Combine the cooked pasta and the sauce mixture in a large bowl and stir to coat the pasta completely. Pour half of this pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over this layer. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese. Lay out the pepperoni slices across the top evenly, and sprinkle the rest of the Italian seasoning over everything.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
5. Rest & Serve:
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking—it helps everything set so it’s easier to serve. Then dish it out and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, comforting dinner that’s just like pizza night, but quicker and fuss-free.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the gluten-free pasta according to its package instructions, as cooking times can vary. Drain well before mixing with the sauce to avoid sogginess.
Can I Make This Pizza Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through—adding a splash of water before microwaving helps keep it moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté the veggies along with the ground beef before adding the sauce.
