Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Saucy pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni in a bubbling family-style bake.
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Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 pound penne or rotini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 5 ounces sliced pepperoni
Substitutions
- Use turkey pepperoni or a plant-based pepperoni in the same amount.
- Use ricotta, cottage cheese, or a dairy-free ricotta alternative, draining watery substitutes first.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Heat the oven to 375°F. Boil pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions; drain.
Step 2: Make the sauce
Cook onion in oil for 4 minutes, add garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine
Mix pasta with the sauce, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the parmesan, and half the pepperoni.
Step 4: Assemble
Transfer to a greased 9-by-13-inch dish and top with remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni.

Step 5: Bake
Cover for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes more, until bubbling and browned. Rest 5 minutes.


How to Store Leftovers
After serving, cool Pepperoni Pizza Casserole and refrigerate within 2 hours; use within 3 to 4 days. Keep the container sealed so the pasta or casserole does not dry at the surface.
How to Reheat
Cover the casserole and reheat at 350°F until the center is hot. Remove the cover for the final few minutes to restore some browning on the cheese and exposed pasta without drying the entire dish.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep the casserole from drying out?
Bake it covered for the first part of the cooking time so the pasta heats in the sauce, then uncover only near the end for browning. For leftovers, reheat covered and add a spoonful of marinara if the pasta has absorbed most of the moisture.
Can I assemble it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate before the final bake. If it goes into the oven cold, allow extra time for the center to become fully hot before uncovering to brown the top.
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