Mama's Pizza Casserole
This easy pepperoni pasta casserole makes a fantastic weeknight dinner!
For an easy dinner recipe that will please the whole family, try Mama's Pizza Casserole! This pepperoni casserole recipe can be customized to include your favorite pizza toppings or you can follow it as is for a fool-proof casserole recipe everyone will drool over.
You can't go wrong with a tasty pizza casserole because it's hard to find someone who doesn't love a cheesy, oven-baked pizza waiting on the table when they're ready to eat. When you want to fix an easy casserole recipe that you know will be a hit, give this dish a try. Mama knows best, which is why this bake makes our "best of the best" list.
Pizza Casserole: A Midwest Favorite
Turning pizza into a casserole might seem a little strange. But if you're familiar with Midwestern cuisine, you'll realize that it fits right in with some of the region's other favorite foods.
According to Google Trends, pizza casserole is most popular in Midwestern states like Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. These states are known for their cold winters, where a hearty meal like this casserole is the perfect thing to keep you warm. This recipe also has plenty of cheese, which is also a bonus in the hearts (and stomachs) of Midwesterners. Dairy farming is a big industry in these states, and so good cheese is a must for many regional dishes!
Midwestern cuisine is also closely tied to comfort food. Midwesterners are friendly and social, so the best regional foods are crowd pleasers, with bonus points if the meal travels well. Other regional favorites like hot dishes, Michigan pasties, toasted ravioli, and puppy chow all fit the bill. Learn more about must-try Midwestern foods here!
Preparation Time25 min
Cooking Time45 min
Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) bag of egg noodles
- 1 jar of tomato sauce (I use Ragu spaghetti sauce)
- 3 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 pound hamburger meat
- 1 package of pepperoni
Try even more recipes like this in our collection, 12 Homemade Pizza Casseroles
Instructions
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Brown the meat and drain the grease.
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Boil Noodles until soft. Drain the water.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, start layering by first spreading half of the noodles on the bottom.
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Second layer half the cheese over the noodles. Then half the pasta sauce, meat, and the rest of the noodles.
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Next layer the rest of the sauce and then the rest of the cheese.
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Lastly, top with pepperonis.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
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Once it is done baking, take it out and let if sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy.
Note from the Editor
Pizza casseroles are becoming increasingly popular and it's no surprise why. All of the deliciousness of pizza with minimal work? Sounds like the ideal dinner! It sounded so good in fact, that I decided to attempt making one once.
I was really craving some pizza one night, but didn't want to go through the hassle of ordering a pizza or driving to pick one up. Instead, I had all of the ingredients for a similar casserole to this one, except using biscuit dough as the base instead of egg noodles. After reading all of the instructions, I layered my ingredients and popped it in the oven. I waited patiently for the next hour to devour my delicious and cheesy handiwork. After pulling my casserole dish out of the oven and scooping a heaping portion onto my plate, I took a big bite...and the biscuit dough was still raw!
Needless to say, I learned my lesson with that one: pizza casseroles are better with a noodle base, just like Mama's!
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belackmarcia 09148 41
Jul 25, 2018
I made this casserole for lunch and everyone really liked it! I kike it especially because it is easy to make . I am in a wheelchair, so some recipes are difficult but this one is perfect!
Rnbowgrl
Feb 15, 2018
Omg yum! I expected this to be a deep dish pizza in a casserole dish but I'm pleasantly surprised that it's made with pasta instead of bread. I'm not sure I would use egg noodles but since it's a casserole, I think it would be awesome with some ziti or large pasta shells. You can customize your own favorite pizza toppings according to your mood or make individual mini casseroles for picky eaters...I love this idea!
AuntKarolyn
Aug 21, 2017
Who doesn't love a good Pizza Casserole? This recipe for Mama's Pizza Casserole is simply the best. I love that it uses egg noodles as the base, and the shear simplicity of the ingredients. It is quick and easy to prepare, and the result is a hardy dinner that is sure to satisfy your family's desire for pizza.
Lynn K
Jun 30, 2017
This sounded nice so I made it for dinner last night. While assembling the ingredients I realized there seemed to be some things missing flavorwise so I added onions, garlic, a touch of chopped chili. I find mozzarella a little bland so used some grated cheddar and emmentaler cheeses instead. It was a nice meal, the family enjoyed it.
Edmund K
Mar 22, 2017
I've made my share of lasagnas, as well as pizzas, but this is the first time I've encountered a combination of the two. It kind of reminds me of a stuffed pizza. Another commenter suggested using ziti and chorizo, which sounds like a good variation. I might try udon noodles in place of the ziti since they're similar. And I know I'd like to experiment with some other pizza toppings, like peppers and onions.
khstarr10 1641230
Feb 22, 2017
This recipe was ok but not great -sorry. I made a Pizza casserole with 1 box med. size ziti, 1/2 cup Pepperoni-(halved), 1 cup (crumbled) Chorico, 1 onion (chopped), 1 can diced tomatoes(drained), 1 Sm. Jar (Walmart's Great Value Brand) Pizza Sauce, 1/2 a larger jar Ragu Chunky Garden Style Speghetti Sauce W/ Mushrooms Peppers, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese. Everyone gobbled it up asked for more! It was all gone-so I shared the recipe w/ them. Hope you all like it as much as they did at my Potluck in my Bldg. it's great for all kinds of parties gatherings. You can leave out anything you don't like /or add what you prefer. Use Ground Beef or Bulk sausage, leave out the tomatoes or onions, switch up sauces, etc. However you make it -enjoy!
SissieSass
Jan 26, 2017
This is such a simple recipe. I love the combination of pasta and pizza. I can see my family taking this recipe to whole new levels with toppings like olives and mushrooms that they love to add layer after layer of anyway. Thanks for another amazing pizza dish for us to try.
FoodLover
Jan 20, 2017
This looked so yummy. I want to try it. It's going to help to use up the leftovers and it is so simple too. My son is going to love it. It seems a bit like layering a lasagna but without the hassle of making a cheese sauce and ragu. So I'm definitely making this at my house. I think it's a great idea for a Friday night in front of the TV -).
kmcartoonity 62072 74
Jan 10, 2017
I make a recipe just like this one frequently, and it is always a big hit at potlucks and family get - togethers. Kids really seem to like it too. Serve this with a simple green salad and a loaf of garlic bread and you have a quick and hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.
Janice L
Dec 23, 2016
This sounds like a quick and easy recipe for those days when you don't have much time to get the meal on the table. All the flavors of pizza in one casserole. Black olives and sliced mushrooms or any other topping can be added. Everyone In your family should love this dish. Just add a salad and dinner is served.
Maggie G
Dec 20, 2016
Pizza casseroles are becoming such a new food trend. I was a little curious about the egg noodles until I read the editor's note, so please use egg noodles or some kind of noodle base! Also, if you don't have these toppings in your house already, feel free to mix and match- add some frozen veggies or a few different types of cheese for a different flavor every time.
Lisa
Dec 06, 2016
What a fabulous idea! I am a big fan of baked pasta casseroles, but I never thought of putting pepperoni on top of one. And with the ground beef too -- talk about a meat lover's dream! I would definitely recommend cooking the egg noodles al dente or even a little under cooked as they alway cook more when you bake it in the casserole.
Ruthep
Nov 24, 2016
This stuff is great! I like different pizza toppings so it is easy to switch it up. Use some sausage instead of all ground beef. Add veggies to it or get spaghetti sauce with onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc. Also any pasta shape will work. I don't think egg noodles are a must. Thanks for sharing!
Rosonna
Nov 01, 2016
I made this for a Halloween party and it was a hit! I used 3/4 pound of ground beef and 3/4 pound of sausage. I mixed some sliced olives with the sauce. It was amazing and everyone loved it! I will be making this again.
SheLikesHats
Jul 01, 2016
This sounds amazing! I have to try it. I take any excuse to eat pizza-inspired food.
MochaMolly
Jun 24, 2016
This looks like such an easy dinner idea! Definitely have to try this soon.
shelfconsciouskati e
May 24, 2016
This looks like an amazing casserole recipe! Can't wait to try it.
ChaCha Rizzo
Dec 04, 2015
OH MY GOURDS! This is just delicious! I've made it three or four times and my twins just devour it. The ingredients are unusual, but trust me when I say it all comes together in the end!
amatlin
Dec 04, 2015
Pizza in the form of casserole? Yes, please. I would sub Italian sausage for the hamburger meat next time.
madcakelover
Jun 29, 2015
After Evaluating this recipe for myself I have come to the conclusion that the Egg noodles are very much needed in this Recipe. Yes texture of egg noodles does not say very much of a "pizza" texture however there has not been a great substitute seeing as how bread only tends to make the whole thing soggy. I believe that the Egg noodle strengthens this dishes' casserole side. Yes Some may say that the dish in of itself was too much casserole and not enough pizza. I say "Pizza can wait".
ysweet
Apr 17, 2015
I substituted Ground Italian Sausage for the Ground Beef and added some onions. Grand kids loved it!!
Nanogoodsell5 5557 501
Feb 20, 2015
instead of noodles use cauliflower, blanch, drain, press into bottom of dish finish with rest of items
loisperkins714 452 8987
May 22, 2014
This is delicious as are all the other receipes I've made on this site. Will make all of them again. Keep up the good work.
PGriggs028 9359677
Jan 02, 2014
can you use something else other than egg noodles ?
BeckySue
Apr 07, 2016
What about pasta ? Maybe lasagna noodles, fettuccine or penne pasta? Pasta has a slightly different taste than egg noodles and might suit your taste better. Just make sure it's al dente.
louise1941 1820185
Nov 07, 2013
super bonne recette, ai faite pour un party de famille, je vais le refaire pour moi, pas rester beaucoup, merci pour la recette
geyoung2001 257192 2
Aug 24, 2013
This may sound ignorant but how much is a "bag of egg noodles"?
austinlee95
May 07, 2013
Great Recipe. Instead of using 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef, I used 1 and used a half a pound of ground italian sausage. Amazing!
Shellac
Apr 28, 2013
I just made this recipe tonight and it was amazing with. Few modifications. We used golden egg pappardelle noodles, this made all of the difference. The noodles were wide which was great for layering and had an incredible homemade noodle flavor. We also used ground turkey and less cheese. Great recipe!
cmhudson02
Dec 19, 2012
If I were to freeze this how long would I need to put it in the oven if it's frozen? I'm now a stay at home mommy and am working on this domestic life :)
samarsh44 0850337
Nov 08, 2012
I put the noodles on the bottom and Chef Boy R Dee pizza sauce and the topping you want on any pizza. This is great!
pmccullough70 9744 927
Sep 14, 2012
So very good. Makes a lot and freezes well. I used turkey Pepperoni and it was great! I found it did need more sauce too.
pcody1 1542508
Jun 11, 2012
I made this dish for dinner last night using Italian Sausage and canned spaghetti sauce and it was delicious!! I will definitely make it again and probably add some additional sauce as suggested by godsgurl. It wasn't really dry just not real saucy. And the additional cheese is a great idea too.
doglady521
Jun 08, 2012
sounds good but you need to add onion,black olives,mushroom and extra cheese and add sauage to yummy
fredflorida 473598 4
Jun 01, 2012
this is one of the most best dishes yet, you have to try.....great with ground sausage instead of ground beef.........
kressluv 6872488
May 28, 2012
this is sooooo yummy !!! my family loves it , thank you so much for sharing.
lingeow 0354624
May 06, 2012
I signed in so I could add the recipe. Now there is not the option to do so. Hmmm??
ErinJ
Apr 23, 2014
When you sign in, you should see your Recipe Box on the right side of your screen. When you want to save a recipe, there is a white "Save Recipe" button below the name of the recipe at the top of the page. This will save the recipe to your Recipe Box.
lingeow 0354624
May 06, 2012
I signed in so I could add the recipe. Now there is not the option to do so. Hmmm??
godsgurl 8635552
Apr 13, 2012
I have made this twice. The first time my teens liked it a lot, but said it was a little dry so the next time I made it I used 1 1/2 jars of the spaghetti sauce and this time they absolutely raved. I was a hero for like, a day! Also, the mozzarella I bought was in a 4 cup package and I thought "what the heck" and put it all on top....mmmmmmm! This is really really good! Thanks :)
margaretferrell 57 84405
Feb 26, 2012
Loved this recipe!!! We used Italian Sausage instead of the hamburger, and also added red onion and some extra cheese....YUM!!!!!
Chef 1012652
Feb 22, 2012
are we looking at a 9x13 dish?
Chef 1012652
Feb 23, 2012
My question was not answered?? 9x13 dish?I wanted to fix tinight, don't know dish size?
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