Name: Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489381H49M13S
Total time: PT-489381H49M13S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for pan; 12 oz. cavatappi pasta; 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 3 (8-oz.) cans tomato sauce; 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano; 1 tsp. dried basil; 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, chopped into 1/2″ pieces; 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed; 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced; 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups); 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided; 1/3 cup sliced pepperoni (about 2 oz.)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 63 reviews

If you’re craving something that melts comfort food and pizza into one unstoppable dish, then you’re going to absolutely love this Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe. I first stumbled upon this gem when I wanted a fuss-free dinner packed with all my favorite pizza flavors but without the hassle of dough. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe more often than you’d expect—it’s just that fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Pizza Flavor: Every bite tastes like your favorite pizza, but layered in a comforting casserole form.
Easy to Prep: You don’t have to knead dough or wait for rising times—just pasta, sauce, and simple layering.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to potlucks where everyone asks for the recipe.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep parts ahead or freeze leftovers for later dinners without losing that fresh-baked vibe.

A close-up of a baked dish in a white rectangular pan on a white marbled surface shows three visible layers: the bottom layer has a rich tomato sauce mixed with bits of green peppers, the middle layer is thick melted cheese bubbling and browned in spots, and the top layer features round slices of pepperoni with some white grated cheese being sprinkled by a woman's hand from above. The pepperoni edges are slightly curled and browned, with a mix of golden and red tones from the cheese and sauce below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole, pizza casserole, sausage pasta bake, cheesy casserole recipes, quick comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe come together so nicely—it’s like every element is playing its perfect part. Plus, most are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store, which makes weeknight cooking a breeze.

Flat lay of fresh cavatappi pasta nestled beside a handful of uncased Italian sausage links, crisp green bell pepper chunks, whole cremini mushrooms sliced neatly, a small mound of chopped yellow onion, two cloves of whole garlic unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich red tomato sauce, another bowl with diced bright red tomatoes, a third bowl holding golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, a portion of sliced pepperoni, and tiny white dishes containing dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole, pizza casserole, sausage pasta bake, cheesy casserole recipes, quick comfort food recipes

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity undertone and helps everything sauté just right.
Cavatappi pasta: I love how this curly pasta holds sauce and cheese perfectly—but penne or rigatoni work as great substitutes.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Italian sausage: Removing the casings and breaking it into bite-sized pieces ensures every forkful has savory goodness.
Cremini mushrooms: Bring a lovely earthiness and a little texture contrast.
Yellow onion: Sweetens as it cooks and melds beautifully with the garlic.
Garlic: Minced to disperse flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
Tomato sauce: The heart of the pizza flavor, providing that rich and tangy base.
Diced tomatoes: Bring fresh bursts and a little chunkiness to the sauce.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that tie all the flavors together.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch for a subtle kick—not overpowering, but enough to brighten things up.
Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and freshness in every bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that gooey blanket we all crave atop pizza dishes.
Pepperoni slices: My kids go crazy for the little crispy pepperoni bits melting on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe my own by switching things up based on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving. Feel free to get creative!

Vegetarian Version: I swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, and it turns out just as satisfying.
Extra Veggie Boost: Sometimes I throw in spinach or black olives for more color and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add some spicy Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes if you love heat like I do.
Cheese Variations: Try adding parmesan or swapping half the mozzarella for provolone for a sharper cheese experience.

How to Make Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta and Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch glass baking dish with a bit of olive oil so nothing sticks (trust me, this helps with clean-up!). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook your cavatappi pasta until it’s just al dente—about 7 to 9 minutes. I like to undercook it slightly since it’ll keep cooking in the casserole and you don’t want mushy pasta. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Cook the Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add your Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized bits. Cook until browned and no longer pink—that usually takes 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a bowl but leave as much fat in the pan as possible; it adds incredible flavor to the veggies you’ll cook next.

Next, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the mushrooms. Let them brown nicely for about 5 to 6 minutes; stirring occasionally so they get evenly cooked. Season with a pinch of salt, then add them to the sausage bowl.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Combine

Using the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and add chopped onion, garlic, and some salt. Stir occasionally until the onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Now for the magic: stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. I like to remove about 2 cups of this sauce and set it aside—that’s going to go on top later.

To the remaining sauce in the pan, fold in chopped green bell pepper, sausage, mushrooms, and your cooked pasta. Give it all a stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour half of the pasta mixture into your greased casserole dish and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over it. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top, then pour that reserved 2 cups of sauce evenly over everything.

Cover the pan with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, until you see it bubbling at the edges—this part is so satisfying to watch!

Step 5: Add Final Cheese and Pepperoni

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and sliced pepperoni on top. Pop it back in the oven uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. When the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pepperoni edges brown, you’ll know it’s ready. My family can’t wait to dig in at this point!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Al Dente Pasta is Key: Slightly undercook the pasta so it keeps a good texture after baking; mushy pasta is no fun!
Use Good Quality Sausage: I’ve found Italian sausage with herbs and spices already mixed in gives the best flavor with minimal seasoning needed.
Don’t Skip Browning the Mushrooms: Taking the time to brown mushrooms separately adds a deeper umami flavor you’ll notice in every bite.
Reserve Sauce for Layering: Pouring extra sauce on top keeps the casserole moist and bubbly—plus it looks gorgeous.

How to Serve Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with a pasta bake dish. The pasta is spiral-shaped and covered in a mix of tomato sauce and melted cheese that stretches as a serving spatula lifts a portion. The top layer features browned, melted cheese with a shiny, bubbly texture and pepperoni slices scattered, some slightly curled and crispy. Under the cheese, the pasta and sauce layer is reddish-orange, mixed with visible chunks of green olives and bits of ground meat or sausage. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole, pizza casserole, sausage pasta bake, cheesy casserole recipes, quick comfort food recipes

Garnishes

I usually finish off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or Italian parsley—they add a pop of color and that fresh herb aroma that makes the dish smell irresistible. Sometimes I even toss some red pepper flakes on top for a little extra kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Since the casserole is hearty, I like pairing it with a light side salad—arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad works perfectly. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make it feel like a true pizza night, which my whole family absolutely enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in smaller ramekins as individual portions—it’s such a fun surprise and makes serving easy. Or I add extra fresh herbs and scatter sliced olives and sun-dried tomatoes on top right before baking for a little gourmet flair that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating to keep moisture at bay. When I reheat it, the flavors taste just as vibrant as fresh.

Freezing

If I’m making this recipe ahead of time, I assemble the casserole but stop before baking. Cover tightly with foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This trick saved me many times on busy nights!

Reheating

I find reheating individual portions in the microwave works for quick meals, but for best texture and that glorious melty cheese, I prefer reheating in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Just cover with foil at first to avoid over-browning.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While cavatappi is great for holding onto sauce and cheese, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini. Just be mindful of cook times to keep the pasta al dente before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can skip the sausage and load up the casserole with extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and olives. Adding flavorful vegetarian sausage or plant-based crumbles can also replicate that meaty texture.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out when baking?

Reserving and pouring extra tomato sauce over the top before baking helps keep the casserole moist and bubbling. Covering it with foil during the initial bake also locks in moisture until it’s nearly finished.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble it a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and simply bake when ready. For longer storage, freezing before baking works like a charm too.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love that it’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress company—and the way all those flavors meld together always reminds me of cozy family dinners spent laughing around the table. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and see for yourself why it’s become such a staple in my kitchen. Happy cooking!