Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe (Easy, Cheesy & Family-Friendly)

If you love classic pepperoni pizza but want something easier, heartier, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Loaded with melty cheese, bold tomato sauce, savory pepperoni, and comforting pasta, this casserole delivers all the flavors of pizza night—without the fuss of rolling dough.

Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight meal, potluck dish, or freezer-friendly dinner, this pizza casserole checks every box. Plus, I’ll show you how to make air fryer, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.

Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• 🍕 Tastes just like pepperoni pizza
• 🧀 Ultra-cheesy and satisfying
• ⏱ Ready in under 45 minutes
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-approved and crowd-friendly
• ❄ Freezer-friendly and meal-prep ready
• 🔄 Easy to customize for dietary needs

This casserole is comfort food at its best—simple ingredients, big flavors, and minimal prep.

Ingredients for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1½ cups sliced pepperoni
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings

• Black olives
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Red onions
• Jalapeños

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well—excess water can make the casserole soggy.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cooked pasta
• Pizza sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Stir until evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Pepperoni

Mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Top with:

• Remaining mozzarella
• Provolone or cheddar (if using)
• Remaining pepperoni
• Optional vegetables
• Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	20 g
Fat	22 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	980 mg

Values vary based on cheese, sauce, and pasta used.

Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Making this dish gluten-free is incredibly easy.

Gluten-Free Substitutions

• Use gluten-free pasta (rice, chickpea, or lentil pasta works well)
• Ensure your pepperoni and pizza sauce are certified gluten-free

Tips

• Cook gluten-free pasta just until al dente
• Rinse lightly to remove excess starch

Result: Same cheesy, pizza flavor—100% gluten-free.

Keto Pepperoni Pizza Casserole (Low-Carb)

This version skips the pasta but keeps all the pizza flavor.

Keto Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets (steamed and well-drained)
• 2 cups low-carb pizza sauce
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella
• Pepperoni slices
• Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Steam cauliflower and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Mix with sauce, seasoning, half the cheese, and pepperoni.
3. Top with remaining cheese and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Keto Nutrition (Approx.)

• Calories: 350
• Net Carbs: 6–8 g
• Fat: High
• Protein: Moderate

Perfect for low-carb and keto lifestyles.

Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Yes—you can make pizza casserole in the air fryer!

How to Do It

1. Assemble casserole in an air fryer-safe dish
2. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes
3. Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast

Best For

• Small households
• Quick dinners
• Reheating leftovers (comes out crispy and cheesy!)

Sourdough Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

This version adds rich, tangy flavor using sourdough discard or sourdough pasta.

Sourdough Options

• Use sourdough pasta
• OR mix ½ cup sourdough discard into the pizza sauce
• OR add toasted sourdough bread cubes as a base layer

Flavor Boost

Sourdough adds depth, improves digestibility, and pairs beautifully with cheese and pepperoni.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions

Make-Ahead

• Assemble the casserole
• Cover tightly
• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
• Bake when ready

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked or baked casserole
• Wrap tightly in foil
• Freeze up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight before reheating

What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Fresh green salad with Italian dressing
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli or zucchini

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole FAQs

Can I use different meats?

Yes! Try cooked sausage, bacon, ham, or ground beef.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—skip pepperoni and load up on vegetables.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I reheat it?

Yes! Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the air fryer for best texture.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Very! You can reduce seasoning and stick to classic cheese and pepperoni.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce?

Yes—homemade sauce works beautifully and enhances flavor.