One-Pan Cheesy Pizza Casserole Recipe with Pepperoni

Spoil yourself with tonight’s dinner by choosing this Easy Pizza Casserole. Made with hearty pasta and classic pizza toppings, this casserole is an explosion of savory, cheesy flavor that’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep.

The best gluten-free pizza casserole

Easy Pizza Casserole brings together two favorites—pasta and pizza—into one comforting, family-friendly dish. It combines thick, hearty pasta and a robust tomato sauce with pepperoni, sausage, and plenty of mozzarella for a deep-dish casserole that tastes like your favorite pizza in every bite. If you need a satisfying gluten-free dinner that travels well to potlucks and feeds a crowd, this recipe is a winner.

This recipe yields roughly 6–8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s loaded with vegetables, simple to prepare, and loved by kids and adults alike. Prep takes only a few minutes of hands-on time, and the oven finishes the job.

Ingredients in this pizza casserole recipe

This casserole blends the best elements of pasta and pizza for a filling, flavorful meal. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta if needed. Ingredients below are for one 9×13 pan.

• 16 oz pasta — brown rice fusilli or any preferred pasta
• 2 tbsp avocado oil — or another cooking oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1.5 lb chicken sausage, uncooked (remove from casings)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups pasta sauce (use your favorite)
• 3 oz pepperoni
• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella (use closer to 2 cups for extra cheesiness)

Kitchen tools required for this dish

Gather these basic tools before you begin to streamline prep:

• Cutting board and chopping knife
• 9×13 baking dish
• Nonstick spray
• Dutch oven or large pot
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups

How to make easy pizza casserole

The method is straightforward: boil pasta, sauté vegetables and sausage, combine with sauce, then bake with pepperoni and cheese.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 glass baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat the avocado oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced green pepper, and chopped broccoli.
4. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
5. Remove the chicken sausage from its casing and add it to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked.
6. Stir in the oregano, basil, and salt. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the pasta sauce, stirring to combine.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and vegetable mixture, stir until everything is evenly coated.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of pepperoni and finish with shredded mozzarella on top.
9. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Here are answers to a few common questions and tips to get the best results.

Can I use a different dish size?
Yes. A 9×13 pan works well for these quantities, but you can use a different casserole dish. If you use a smaller pan, the casserole will be thicker and may need a few extra minutes to heat through; with a larger pan it may cook more quickly.

Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely. This casserole already includes a generous amount of vegetables (broccoli, green pepper, and onion), but you can add zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms, or extra bell peppers to boost nutrition and flavor.

How should leftovers be kept?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Substitutions are flexible. Swap brown rice or gluten-free pasta for wheat pasta to keep it gluten-free. Use any cooking oil instead of avocado oil. Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack if you like more flavor. The chicken sausage can be replaced with pork sausage, ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Other casserole-style dishes that are similarly comforting and crowd-pleasing:

• Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
• Cranberry Chicken Casserole
• Mexican Quinoa Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole