Cheesy Pizza Casserole Recipe with Sausage and Peppers

Why I Love Pizza Casserole

Pizza night was a highlight of my childhood. We lived far from town on a farm with no nearby delivery options, so homemade pizza became a ritual I loved. The best part was choosing toppings — I often went for a supreme or taco-style pie — and the results were always satisfying.

When I started cooking for myself, I discovered that the pizza flavors I grew up with translate beautifully into a baked casserole. This version layers savory sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and plenty of melted mozzarella into a comforting pasta bake that tastes like a cross between pepperoni pizza and a supreme pizza.

The recipe is flexible: if you don’t like a particular vegetable, skip it. It makes a generous amount, perfect for a family meal or for leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Why this recipe works:

• All the familiar pizza flavors in a warm, baked pasta dish.
• Feeds a crowd or can be made ahead for the week.
• Highly customizable — add or remove toppings to suit your taste.
• Leftovers reheat well and often improve overnight.

Pizza Casserole Ingredients

The ingredient list will feel familiar to anyone who makes pizza at home — that’s intentional. The key components are:

• Fusilli pasta – The twists trap sauce and cheese, making each bite flavorful.
• Italian sausage – Sweet or hot works; it provides a hearty, savory backbone.
• Onion and garlic – Classic aromatics that build the sauce base.
• Bell pepper – Adds freshness and a slight crunch.
• Cremini mushrooms – Earthy, meaty texture that complements the sausage.
• Kosher salt – Brings out all the flavors.
• Red pepper flakes – A little heat; adjust to your preference.
• Dried basil and dried oregano – Essential pizza seasonings.
• Strained tomatoes (or tomato sauce) – The saucy base for the casserole.
• Mozzarella cheese – Shredded and melted for that gooey pizza feel.
• Pepperoni – Optional, but it adds that unmistakable pizza taste when layered on top.

Exact quantities are provided in the recipe card below.

How to Make a Pizza Casserole

This pizza casserole is straightforward and comes together in five main steps.

Step 1: Cook the pasta – Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fusilli until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the sausage – While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces, until browned, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables – To the skillet add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté until the onion softens, about 4–6 minutes. Stir in kosher salt, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and dried oregano, then add the strained tomatoes. Simmer the sauce 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble – Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta. Pour half the pasta mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, sprinkle half the mozzarella over it, then add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese. Arrange pepperoni slices on top if using.

Step 5: Bake – Cover and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and bake 15–20 more minutes until the casserole bubbles and the cheese begins to brown. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is highly adaptable. A few easy swaps let you tailor it to dietary needs or ingredient availability:

• Vegetarian: Omit sausage and pepperoni and add extra vegetables or plant-based sausage.
• More vegetables: Add black olives, red peppers, banana peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.
• Different meats: Substitute ground beef, shredded or ground chicken, or lean ground turkey for the sausage. Season well if using milder meats.

Follow These Tips

Serving

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before scooping and serving warm. It’s great on its own but pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread. For a finishing touch when serving guests, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top.

Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Assemble the casserole, cool it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If baking from cold, add 15–20 minutes to the bake time.

Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comfort Food

• Garlic shrimp pasta
• Skillet kielbasa and sauerkraut
• Beef shepherd’s pie
• Butter roasted salmon and radishes
• Sheet pan sausage with roasted vegetables
• Beef enchiladas
• Be sure to explore additional comfort food recipes for more ideas.

Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?

I hope you try this pizza casserole and enjoy it with your family. If you make it, please leave a comment and a rating to let others know how it turned out — feedback helps others decide whether to try the recipe.