If you love the classic flavors of pizza but want a cozy, all-in-one dish to warm your family’s hearts, this Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with familiar toppings like pepperoni, olives, and green peppers, and layered over tender penne pasta in a rich, savory sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together pasta night and pizza night in the best possible way. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that’s loaded with cheesy, saucy happiness from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting this flavorful Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe. Simple, accessible, and each component plays an essential role in balancing taste, texture, and color to give you that pie-like experience without the crust.
- 1 pound penne pasta: Provides the perfect sturdy base to hold all those delicious toppings and sauce.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and richness, cooking up to a tender crumble that’s the backbone of the casserole.
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or 1/2 cup freshly chopped yellow onion): Delivers subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic: Gives a fragrant kick that complements the savory notes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herb flavors like oregano and basil to evoke that authentic pizza vibe.
- 32 ounces pizza sauce or marinara sauce: The luscious, tangy sauce that ties everything together; choose your favorite brand for a personal touch.
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey layers that are utterly irresistible and essential for that cheesy pull.
- 16 slices pepperoni: Adds spicy, savory pockets of flavor reminiscent of a supreme slice.
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and sliced: Provides crunch and a fresh pop of color that livens up each bite.
- 1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives: Brings a briny, slightly tangy taste that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
How to Make Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready once the casserole is assembled. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your masterpiece doesn’t stick and can be served cleanly.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
Boil your penne pasta according to the package’s instructions, aiming for al dente to keep it firm enough to hold up during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside; this is going to be the sturdy canvas for the sauce and toppings that follow.
Step 3: Sauté the Ground Beef and Aromatics
In a large pot or skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily. Add dried minced onion (or fresh if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and your pizza sauce to the beef. Stir everything together until well combined, then remove from the heat. This luscious sauce mixture is the savory heart of your casserole.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Assemble
Mix the cooked and drained penne pasta into the beef and pizza sauce mixture until every piece is coated in that mouthwatering red goodness. Pour this mixture into your prepped baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking. Next, sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top—this will melt and create that amazing cheesy crust. Arrange the pepperoni slices, green bell pepper slices, and black olives evenly over the cheese to finish it off like a supreme pizza.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Cover the casserole dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges. Once out of the oven, carefully remove the foil and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes—this helps everything set and makes serving a breeze. Get ready for a hearty dish that tastes just like a supreme pizza, but with the comforting warmth of pasta baked to perfection!
How to Serve Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh bursts of flavor and color by garnishing with chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also elevate the cheesy experience even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic breadsticks or a simple garlic butter toast make perfect companions, soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, bake the casserole in a pretty ceramic dish and bring it straight to the table to serve family-style. Or for a fun twist, prepare individual portions in small ramekins for a personalized supreme pizza experience that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Supreme Pizza Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then cover it securely with foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding sauce and toppings, rigatoni, ziti, or even elbow macaroni would work wonderfully in this Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe.
What if I want to make this vegetarian?
Simply skip the ground beef and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, or add plant-based meat substitutes to keep that hearty, satisfying texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or choose spicy pepperoni to give the casserole a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, just be sure to follow cooking times as these can vary slightly. Most pizza sauces and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free but always check labels to be safe.
How can I make this casserole less heavy?
Try swapping lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, and load up on fresh veggies to lighten the dish without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe is a winner every time, bringing that perfect combination of comfort and nostalgia that everyone will love. It’s effortlessly delicious, easy to make, and flexibly adapts to your favorite pizza toppings or dietary needs. Get ready to make this a go-to recipe in your kitchen—you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
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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 the comfort of a baked pasta dish. Featuring penne pasta, lean ground beef, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives, it’s a delicious and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is an easy and satisfying way to enjoy all your favorite pizza toppings in one dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Meat and Sauce Mixture
- 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 (such as Contadina brand)
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 Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large pot, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease for a leaner dish. Add the dried minced onion (or fresh chopped onion), minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the beef. Stir well, then pour in the pizza sauce or marinara sauce and mix thoroughly. Remove the pot from heat once combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the meat and sauce mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and beef mixture. Pour this combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Then layer the pepperoni slices, sliced green bell pepper, and sliced black olives over the cheese to add supreme pizza flavors.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and cool to the perfect temperature. Enjoy your hearty Supreme Pizza Casserole!
Notes
- Use freshly chopped onion in place of dried minced onion for a more vibrant flavor.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other pizza toppings like mushrooms or sausage based on preference.
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Covering the casserole during baking ensures it stays moist and bubbly.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps to set the layers and improves slicing and serving.
