If you love the irresistible flavors of a classic pizza but want an easier, cozy dinner to share with family or friends, this Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of hearty penne pasta, savory ground beef simmered in zesty pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and all your favorite pizza toppings come together in a baked casserole that feels like a warm, delicious hug. It’s the perfect way to enjoy everything you adore about supreme pizza with less fuss and even more comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to building the bold flavors, satisfying textures, and vibrant colors that make this Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe so delightful. Each element plays its part in creating a casserole that’s both hearty and packed with classic pizza goodness.
- 1 pound penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully and adds a chewy bite.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup freshly chopped yellow onion): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the meat mixture.
- 1/2 Tablespoon minced garlic: Brings a warm, pungent flavor that enhances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian aroma and taste.
- 32 ounces pizza sauce or marinara sauce: This is the heart of the recipe—try using Contadina brand for authentic, vibrant flavor.
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese: Offers that irresistible stretchiness and mild creaminess we love in pizza.
- 16 slices pepperoni: Adds a slightly spicy, smoky punch that’s a must in any supreme pizza rendition.
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded then sliced: Offers a crisp texture and fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives: Adds a salty, briny contrast to round out the toppings beautifully.
How to Make Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray so your casserole won’t stick later. Then, cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente—that perfect balance where it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for layering.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Build Flavor
In a large pot, brown and crumble the ground beef until no pink remains. Be sure to drain any excess grease so your casserole isn’t too oily. Next, stir in the dried minced onion (or fresh if you prefer), garlic, Italian seasoning, and plenty of rich pizza sauce. Mixing all this together creates that robust flavor base that makes this Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce Mixture
Once your beef and sauce mixture is ready, toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix well until every piece is coated with that savory sauce. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so every bite has a perfect blend of ingredients.
Step 4: Top With Cheese and Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese generously over the pasta base, creating the signature cheesy top layer. Then add pepperoni slices, green bell pepper strips, and black olives evenly across the casserole to give it that classic supreme pizza look and taste.
Step 5: Bake Your Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes until everything is hot, bubbly, and perfectly melded together. When you remove it from the oven, carefully take off the foil and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This rest time helps everything set nicely for easier serving and deeper flavor melding.
How to Serve Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh, vibrant finishing touch, consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley on top after baking. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the flavors beautifully. If you like some heat, crushed red pepper flakes scattered over the top add a subtle zing that complements the savory notes.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the cheesy goodness, while garlic bread makes a luscious accompaniment. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus add a healthy touch and lovely texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized meal or scoop portions onto plates in neat, layered slices for a family-style dinner. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or wrap them in tortillas for a delicious pizza casserole wrap the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to keep textures and flavors intact. This makes for an easy, tasty next-day dinner or lunch option.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious casserole longer, it freezes very well. Wrap the casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label it with the date and ingredients for easy identification so you can pull it out whenever you need a comforting meal fast.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the fridge for best results, then bake it uncovered in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and bubbly. If reheating refrigerated leftovers, a quick 20-minute bake or a few minutes in the microwave will bring it back to perfect cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds sauce well, you can use rigatoni, rotini, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is al dente before assembling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to replace the meat. Using a vegetable-based pizza sauce will keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe ahead and bake later?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge so it cooks evenly.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Mozzarella is the classic choice because of its melting properties and mild taste, but feel free to mix in some Parmesan or provolone for added complexity. Just be sure to keep the cheese quantity balanced to avoid overpowering the tomato and meat flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety. Make sure your pizza sauce and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to keep everything safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe is such a joyful way to combine all the best parts of a supreme pizza into a cozy, comforting dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty meal, this casserole never fails to bring smiles and full stomachs. Give it a try, and soon it’ll be one of your favorite go-to dinners!
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Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Supreme Pizza Casserole combines classic pizza flavors with comforting pasta in a hearty, baked dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring penne pasta, seasoned ground beef, savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives, it’s a flavorful one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please all ages.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup freshly chopped yellow onion)
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 32 ounces pizza sauce or marinara sauce (Contadina brand recommended)
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook Pasta. Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Beef Mixture. In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Drain excess grease, then add the dried minced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce. Stir everything together well and remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta to the beef and sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly combine all ingredients. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Toppings. Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Then layer the 16 pepperoni slices, sliced green bell pepper, and sliced black olives evenly over the cheese.
- Bake. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Enjoy your flavorful Supreme Pizza Casserole!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil before baking.
- If preferred, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
