Cheesy Pizza Casserole Recipe: Quick, Comforting, and Packed with Flavor

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a dish that combines all the best flavors of pizza into one hearty casserole. This Pizza Casserole Recipe is a family-friendly dinner that brings together the rich taste of ground beef, the zing of bell peppers, and the ooey-gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese—all in one bite. The best part? It’s simple to make, quick to prep, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you're a fan of classic pepperoni pizza or just looking for a cozy meal on a budget, this casserole has you covered.

Photo byRecipes on a Budget

I first came across this recipe on the Recipes on a Budget Facebook Group, a fantastic community where people share affordable yet delicious meals. This casserole instantly stood out to me because it’s not only easy to prepare, but also full of classic pizza flavors—think savory beef, sweet bell peppers, and loads of melted cheese. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

A Little Fun Backstory

Casseroles are a classic American comfort food, born out of the need for simple, one-dish meals that could feed a family. This recipe elevates the traditional casserole by incorporating everyone’s favorite flavors—pizza! Originating from the Italian-American love of pizza, the idea of turning these flavors into a baked dish is genius, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 can of pizza sauce (about 15 ounces)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work best)
• Pepperoni slices for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and pizza sauce to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Layer the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, start by layering half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture, and then a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of pasta, meat mixture, and cheese.
5. Add the Toppings: Top the casserole with pepperoni slices for that authentic pizza flavor.
6. Bake: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, and watch your family devour this cheesy, hearty pizza casserole!

Tips for a Perfect Pizza Casserole:

• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings to the casserole! Sliced mushrooms, black olives, or even cooked sausage would be fantastic additions.
• Use Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, you can add some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian: Simply omit the ground beef and add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even eggplant to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Pairing Ideas:

Serve this pizza casserole with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal that will satisfy all your pizza cravings. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple arugula salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon.

I hope you enjoy making this easy and delicious Pizza Casserole Recipe! If you do, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and follow for more tasty dishes like this one!