Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Who doesn’t love pizza night? This hearty casserole transforms everyone’s favorite delivery order into a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’ll have your whole family rushing to the dinner table. With layers of tender pasta, zesty Italian sausage, and that irresistible pepperoni pizza flavor, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Picture all your favorite pizza toppings – savory pepperoni, melty mozzarella, fresh bell peppers, and mushrooms – combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich marinara sauce. This casserole delivers all the satisfaction of a supreme pizza in a fork-friendly format that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 16 ounces dry penne pasta
• Salt, for pasta cooking water
• Cooking spray, for greasing

For the Meat & Vegetables:

• 8 ounces Italian sausage links
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, chopped
• 4 ounces baby bella mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

For the Sauce & Toppings:

• 24 ounces (2 1/2 cups) marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces pepperoni slices

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, making sure to cover the corners where sticking often occurs.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt (the water should taste like sea water). Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes or until al dente – test by biting a piece, it should have slight resistance but no chalky center.
3. While pasta cooks, prepare the sausage:
   • Cut links in half lengthwise, then into 1/2-inch half-moons
   • Cook in a medium skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring every 1-2 minutes
   • Look for even browning and no pink spots if using raw sausage
   • Remove excess grease by tilting pan and spooning it out
4. Create the sauce mixture in a large bowl:
   • Combine marinara, Parmesan, and seasonings
   • Stir until herbs are evenly distributed
   • Taste and adjust seasonings if needed
5. Combine the filling:
   • Add cooked pasta while still hot (it absorbs flavors better)
   • Mix in sausage and all vegetables
   • Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated with sauce
6. Assemble and bake:
   • Transfer to prepared baking dish
   • Top with mozzarella in an even layer
   • Arrange pepperoni slices in a single layer
   • Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes
   • Remove foil and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns
   • Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving (this helps set the casserole)