Get ready to fall in love with the joyfully cheesy, crave-worthy comfort of Mama’s Pizza Casserole. This dish brings together the gooey coziness of a pasta bake with all the best flavors of a classic pizzeria pie. Bursting with rich sauce, perfectly browned beef, melty mozzarella, and everyone’s favorite pepperoni, it’s a guaranteed hit at the family dinner table. Whether you’re serving a crowd, prepping your weeknight meals, or just looking for a delicious twist on pizza night, Mama’s Pizza Casserole always delivers warmth, nostalgia, and smiles in every bubbly bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something almost magical about how this casserole transforms a handful of kitchen staples into a dish that feels like a big, delicious hug. Each ingredient truly matters, contributing richness, heartiness, and irresistible “pizza” flavor that makes every forkful satisfying.

Ground Beef: Using a pound of ground beef gives this casserole that satisfying, hearty bite—feel free to swap in ground turkey or spicy Italian sausage if you want to switch things up.
Yellow Onion (diced): The onion softens and sweetens, laying the flavor foundation for the sauce and beef.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves wake up the whole pan with that classic, savory pizza aroma.
Pizza Sauce (24 oz jar): The real superstar—rich, tangy, and full of herbs, this sauce creates that signature pizza taste throughout the casserole.
Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon is all it takes to infuse the whole casserole with herby goodness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Sprinkle in just the right amount to balance and enhance all the savory notes.
Rotini or Penne Pasta (8 oz, uncooked): Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne grab onto all that pizza-meets-pasta flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1½ cups): What’s a pizza casserole without ooey-gooey mozzarella? Part goes inside, part on top for that cheesy finish.
Sliced Pepperoni (½ cup): Studded on top, pepperoni brings that classic pizzeria punch and a little crispy edge.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Sprinkled over everything for salty umami depth and a beautiful golden finish.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Just enough to sauté the aromatics and give the beef a flavorful boost.
Optional – Green Bell Pepper or Mushrooms (½ cup, chopped): Stir these in for extra nutrition, color, and a nod to your favorite supreme pizza.

How to Make Mama’s Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your baking dish a quick spray or light greasing—you want that cheesy pasta to come out easily later. Trust me, taking this extra step keeps serving a breeze after it’s baked and bubbling!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini or penne just until al dente, following the package directions. The trick is not to overcook—the pasta will soak up more sauce and finish softening as it bakes with the rest of the casserole.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat up that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and let it soften for about 2–3 minutes before stirring in the garlic. Just 30 seconds is all it takes to turn up that garlic fragrance and have your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Add your ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat—this keeps the casserole rich but not greasy.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and your optional veggies if you’re using them. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes—this helps all the flavors mingle and bloom, making everything taste like it’s straight from your favorite pizzeria.

Step 6: Mix Pasta and Sauce

In a big mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta and the saucy beef mixture. Add 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and give everything a good toss. When it’s all evenly coated and the cheese is starting to melt, you know you’re on the right track.

Step 7: Assemble and Top

Pour the pasta and meat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over the remaining ½ cup mozzarella, lay out your pepperoni slices however you like, and finish with the grated Parmesan. There’s no such thing as too much cheese here!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for 20–25 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese on top is perfectly golden. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving—this makes it easier to slice, and the anticipation makes that first bite even more rewarding.

How to Serve Mama’s Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a handful of fresh basil or parsley on top! A sprinkle of crushed red pepper or extra Parmesan adds even more personality. Drizzle with a little olive oil for a glossy finish or set out a shaker of Italian seasoning so everyone can customize their slice.

Side Dishes

Balance all that melty richness with a crisp Caesar salad or a big leafy green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Garlic bread or breadsticks always get rave reviews alongside Mama’s Pizza Casserole, and roasted broccoli or green beans make a bright, wholesome counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

This casserole is made to share, but you can also bake it in individual ramekins for personal portions at a dinner party or serve it family-style straight from the bubbling casserole dish for a cozy, rustic vibe. Cutting it into squares and letting guests build their own “pizza” plates with extra toppings and dips is a fun, interactive twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Mama’s Pizza Casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for quick lunches or after-school snacks.

Freezing

This casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeks—just assemble (but don’t bake), cover well, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer (add about 15 extra minutes), or thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. Individual portions can also be frozen for easy, grab-and-go dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works well too—just zap in 1-minute increments until piping hot, and maybe add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before serving for that gooey goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Mama’s Pizza Casserole works wonderfully with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based crumble.

Can I add extra veggies or other pizza toppings?

Of course! Make this casserole your own by tossing in black olives, jalapeños, chopped spinach, or even pineapple. Think of anything you love on your pizza—just chop it and stir it in before baking.

How do I keep the pasta from becoming mushy?

The secret is to cook the pasta only until al dente. It should still have a little bite when you drain it, since it will continue softening as it bakes with the sauce and cheese.

Can I assemble Mama’s Pizza Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and add a couple extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers so they taste fresh?

For that just-baked flavor and texture, reheat leftovers in the oven (covered with foil) until bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works well—just sprinkle on a little extra mozzarella before reheating to bring back the melty magic.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to serve up a big, bubbling dish of Mama’s Pizza Casserole. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this crowd-pleaser always disappears fast. Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and make those pizza night memories with your favorite people!

Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Mama’s Pizza Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious elements of a classic pizza in a convenient casserole form. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ½ cup chopped green bell pepper or mushrooms

Other Ingredients:

8 ounces uncooked rotini or penne pasta
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sliced pepperoni
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional vegetables. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine pasta and sauce: In a bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella.
Assemble and bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.