Pizza Casserole

Name: Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 - 10 serving(s)
Ingredients: Kosher salt; 16 oz. cavatappi pasta; 2 tbsp. olive oil; 1 lb. mild Italian pork sausage; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes; 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes; 2 tsp. dried oregano; 3 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese, divided; 1/2 c. chopped red onion, divided; 1 green bell pepper, chopped, divided; 1/3 c. pickled banana peppers, divided; 1/2 c. sliced black olives, divided; 3 oz. pepperoni slices, divided; 1/2 c. fresh mozzarella pearls

It's warm and cheesy, piled with your favorite toppings!

By Hannah Klinger; Recipe by Taylor WannPublished: Feb 9, 2023

4 Ratings

Jump to recipe

the pioneer woman's pizza casserole recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Yields:

8 - 10 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

No need to choose between pizza or pasta when the family craves an Italian dinner—this pizza casserole has it all! Think of this dish as a cheesy pasta bake that stopped by your local pizza joint for layers of pepperoni, banana peppers, black olives, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Those layers are key to this casserole recipe, giving you a little bit of everything in every scoop. Start with this classic recipe, then riff where you'd like (just like you would at a pizzeria). Swap in sautéed mushrooms or spinach, go vegetarian with meatless crumbles instead of pork, or use spicy Italian sausage for extra kick.

What is cavatappi pasta?

Cavatappi pasta looks like a loose corkscrew (what the pasta means in Italian). This pasta shape is ideal for casseroles because it's sturdy enough to be boiled and baked without falling apart and can cling to lots of cheese and toppings.

Can marinara sauce be used instead of crushed tomatoes?

Since jarred marinara can vary in thickness and flavor (some are spicier, herbier, sweeter, or tangier than others), it's best to stick with canned crushed tomatoes for this recipe. One large and one medium can of crushed tomatoes will provide just enough liquid for the casserole and won't overshadow the meats and veggies.

What are mozzarella pearls?

Mozzarella pearls are mini balls of fresh mozzarella. You'll find them in plastic containers in the specialty cheese section. Besides this casserole, try adding them to an Italian pasta salad or chopped salad, or to an appetizer platter with olives and veggies.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Ingredients

Kosher salt
16 oz.
cavatappi pasta
2 Tbsp.
olive oil
1 lb.
mild Italian pork sausage
3
cloves garlic, minced
28 oz.
can crushed tomatoes
15 oz.
can crushed tomatoes
2 tsp.
dried oregano
3 cups
shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup
grated parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup
chopped red onion, divided
1
green bell pepper, chopped, divided
1/3 cup
pickled banana peppers, divided
1/2 cup
sliced black olives, divided
3 oz.
pepperoni slices, divided
1/2 cup
fresh mozzarella pearls

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 350°. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with salt.
2. Step 2Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook about 1 minute less than the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook for two more minutes.
4. Step 4Add both cans of crushed tomatoes and the oregano. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Season to taste with more salt. Stir in the cooked pasta.
5. Step 5Add half the pasta mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Sprinkle half of the red onion, bell pepper, banana peppers and black olives over top. Top with half of the pepperoni slices.
6. Step 6Top with the remaining half of the pasta, remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, half of the red onion, bell pepper, banana peppers, black olives, and pepperoni slices. Sprinkle with the fresh mozzarella pearls.
7. Step 7Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.