Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love how comforting and easy this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe turns out every single time. It’s like all the best parts of a pizza—gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and spicy pepperoni—come together in one cozy dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whenever I need something quick but still satisfying, this casserole is my go-to, and I bet you’ll find it becomes one of yours too.

What’s great about this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, it’s simple to put together and packs flavor without fuss. Plus, I’ve found that layering the pepperoni—some diced and some whole—gives every bite that perfect balance of pepperoni goodness you don’t always get in traditional casseroles.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All of these simple ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic pizza flavor in a casserole. Choosing good quality pizza sauce and fresh shredded mozzarella will make a big difference, so don’t skimp here!

• Rotini pasta: I love using rotini because its little spirals catch the sauce perfectly, but any pasta shape you like works.
• Pizza sauce: Pick your favorite brand or even homemade if you have it—this is the heart of the flavor.
• Diced pepperoni: Dicing some of the pepperoni helps distribute its flavor evenly and makes bites easy to manage.
• Whole pepperoni: Adding whole slices on top gives a great presentation and those delicious crispy edges.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded is best for melting; I always keep some bought pre-shredded for convenience too.
• Dried oregano: A sprinkle on top adds that classic Italian herb kick that ties it all together.

Variations

I’m a big fan of tweaking this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or what my family is craving. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or even try different cheeses to make it your own.

• Vegetable Boost: I sometimes stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition—it’s surprisingly tasty and adds a fresh twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or swap regular pepperoni for spicy salami if you like a little heat; it wakes up the dish beautifully.
• Cheese Swap: Mixing mozzarella with provolone or cheddar adds depth and gooey texture—my kids love the cheddar version!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rotini or any pasta alternative to keep this recipe allergy-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your casserole dish with non-stick spray. I find this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, a win-win for busy cooks!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Boil the rotini according to package directions until it’s al dente — not too soft or mushy, as it will cook a bit more in the oven. Drain well and return it to the pot so it’s ready for mixing.

Step 3: Mix the Main Ingredients

To the hot pasta, stir in the pizza sauce, diced pepperoni, and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella. This step is where the magic happens—the sauce fully coats the pasta, and those little diced pepperoni pieces give bursts of flavor on every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the saucy pasta mixture into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top, add the whole pepperoni slices, and finish with a generous sprinkle of dried oregano. This layering not only looks inviting but ensures cheesy, melty pepperoni goodness on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 7-10 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and starting to bubble. Keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t brown too much—we want that melty, stretchy texture every time. Once baked, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick if we’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a simple green salad with vinaigrette or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus to balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks work wonderfully if you want to double down on carbs!

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins—it feels a bit more special and portion control is easy. You can also add a swirl of pesto or drizzle some ranch dressing on top for fun toppings that guests always enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools down, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps nicely for 3-4 days—just enough time for a few meals. I recommend reheating gently so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or foil trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until bubbly again—usually around 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain that melty cheesy texture without turning the pasta rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines all those flavors we love about pizza without the fuss of making dough or individual pies. It’s quick to pull together, feeds a crowd, and somehow always manages to feel like a treat. I hope you give it a try and add your own spin on it—you’ll find it’s a recipe that delights every time and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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