Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie is a total game changer for pizza night! I’m literally obsessed with how it combines everything amazing about pizza but in this super satisfying casserole form. The layers of flavor are insane – you get all those classic pizza tastes but with this awesome gooey, hearty texture that’s perfect for colder evenings. Seriously, it’s become my family’s most requested dinner lately. Keep reading to find out why this Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie will become your new go-to comfort food!
Ingredients for Your Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
For the Base
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini work best) – the shape really matters here cuz it catches all the sauce
- 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce – use your fav brand or homemade if you’re feeling fancy
- 2 cups ricotta cheese – adds this amazing creamy texture that makes the Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie so special
- 2 eggs – helps bind everything together
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – for that classic pizza flavor profile
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is way better than powder here
- 1 tsp salt – adjust according to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground gives the best flavor
For the Pizza Layer
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage – you can sub ground beef or turkey if you prefer
- 1 bell pepper, diced – any color works, I usually go with red for sweetness
- 1 small onion, chopped – yellow onions give the best flavor
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms – totally optional if you’re not a mushroom fan
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives – these add that authentic pizza shop taste
- 1 cup pepperoni slices – the mini ones are super cute on top
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – get the low moisture kind for best melting
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – adds that umami depth
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness
Looking for a gluten-free option? Just swap in your fav GF pasta. Vegetarian? Skip the meats and add more veggies like zucchini, eggplant or artichoke hearts to make your Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie meat-free but still super satisfying.
How to Make the Ultimate Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
Step 1: Prep Everything
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large casserole dish (9×13 works perfect)
- Cook pasta according to package directions but take it out 1-2 minutes early (al dente) – trust me this prevents mushy pasta in your finished Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
- While pasta’s cooking, brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks
- When sausage is about halfway done, add the diced bell pepper, onion and mushrooms – cook until veggies are soft and meat is fully browned
- Drain any excess fat from the pan
Step 2: Create the Base Layer
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, eggs, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt and pepper until smooth
- Drain the pasta and return to pot
- Add 1 jar of marinara sauce to the pasta and stir to coat
- Spread half the pasta mixture in the bottom of your casserole dish
- Dollop half the ricotta mixture over the pasta – don’t worry about spreading it perfectly, it’ll melt into amazing pockets of creamy goodness
Step 3: Build Your Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
- Spread the meat and veggie mixture over the ricotta layer
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella
- Add remaining pasta on top
- Pour second jar of sauce over everything
- Dollop remaining ricotta mixture
- Top with remaining mozzarella and the parmesan
- Arrange pepperoni slices on top so they get crispy
- Sprinkle olives between the pepperoni
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Cover casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes
- Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are starting to get golden brown
- You’ll know it’s done when the center is hot and cheese is melted completely
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait but this helps it set up
- Sprinkle with fresh basil just before serving your amazing Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
The smell while this bakes is seriously incredible – your whole house will smell like an Italian restaurant!
Creative Variations of Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
Taco Pizza Casserole
Sub taco seasoning for Italian, use cheddar instead of mozzarella, and top with crushed tortilla chips, lettuce, tomato and sour cream after baking. For more Mexican pizza inspiration, check out our Sheet Pan Taco Pizza recipe!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Casserole
Use shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce instead of sausage, blue cheese crumbles mixed with the mozzarella, and a drizzle of ranch on top.
Margherita Pizza Casserole
Keep it simple with extra marinara, fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded, and lots of fresh basil on top. If you love classic flavors, our Margherita Pizza recipe is also a must-try!
Breakfast Pizza Casserole
Layer in scrambled eggs, bacon, and breakfast sausage, then top with cheddar and a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving.
Mediterranean Pizza Casserole
Use feta instead of ricotta, add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired twist on Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie.
Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie FAQs
Can I make Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add about 10-15 mins to the baking time if you’re cooking it cold. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re having guests over!
How do I store leftover Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie?
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together.
Can I freeze Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie?
Yes! This Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie freezes super well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before, don’t bake it – just assemble, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge then bake as directed (adding extra time). For already baked casserole, freeze individual portions for quick lunches.
What can I serve with Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie?
A simple green salad is my go-to side. The freshness balances out the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread is also amazing for sopping up any extra sauce. If you’re feeding a really hungry crowd, some roasted veggies on the side work great too.
Why is my Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie watery?
Couple reasons this might happen: make sure to drain your pasta well, don’t use too much sauce, and pre-cook veggies that release moisture (like mushrooms and peppers). Also, letting it rest for 10 mins after baking helps everything set up properly.
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Definitely! Just pick shapes that’ll hold the sauce well. Rotini, penne, fusilli, or ziti all work great in Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it’s harder to serve.
Is Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie good for picky eaters?
OMG yes! That’s one of the best things about it. You can customize each section with different toppings, just like a real pizza. My kids each get their own corner with their fav toppings, and everyone’s happy!
Final Thoughts on this Amazing Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
Every time I make this Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie, I think about how food brings us together. My grandma was super skeptical when I first told her I was making a “pizza casserole” – she’s old school Italian and pretty particular about her pizza! But even she had seconds and asked for the recipe.
What I love most about this dish is how it strikes that perfect balance between comfort food tradition and modern convenience. It’s got all those classic pizza flavors we grew up with, but in a format that works for today’s busy families.
Make this Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie your own – add your fav toppings, adjust the spices, make it spicier or milder. Food is meant to be personalized and shared. I can’t wait to hear how your family enjoys this recipe!