If you love the bold flavors of pizza and the comfort of baked pasta, this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish to bring the best of both worlds together. It’s packed with savory ground beef, zesty marinara or pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni and olives—all layered with tender pasta and baked to bubbly perfection.
Ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or potlucks, this hearty casserole is as customizable as it is satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves: 6 to 8 people
Total time: approx. 45 minutes
- 500g ground beef (or lamb for an alternative flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (halal if needed)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Beef and Flavor Base
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked through, remove from heat.
Assembling the Casserole Layers
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara or pizza sauce. Stir until well coated.
Step 5: Build the Layers
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly. Add a layer of the cooked beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat with the remaining pasta and beef. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella, the grated Parmesan, and your preferred pizza toppings—pepperoni slices, olives, and bell peppers.
Baking and Serving
Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 7: Add Fresh Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Slice and serve warm.
What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole
- Fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
- Sparkling lemonade or iced tea to balance the richness
This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of pickled vegetables or a light cucumber yogurt salad for a refreshing contrast.
Customization Options
Meat Substitutes
Swap beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for dietary preferences.
Sauce Variations
Use spicy arrabbiata sauce for heat or a creamy tomato base for a richer version.
Toppings Galore
Feel free to get creative with toppings. Try mushrooms, jalapeños, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also make it extra cheesy by adding dollops of ricotta or feta.
Pasta Flexibility
Any short pasta works: penne, fusilli, rigatoni, even macaroni. Just avoid long noodles as they don’t layer well in casseroles.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.
Pro tip: Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating to keep it from drying out.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. Assemble it fully, cover with foil, and store in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to compensate for the chilled ingredients.
Cooking Tips
- Drain the beef well after browning to avoid excess grease pooling in your casserole.
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when baked.
- Use high-quality cheese for best flavor and melt—block mozzarella shredded at home gives better texture than pre-shredded.
- Let it rest before slicing so the layers stay intact and cheese sets slightly.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dish. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely. Try cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses. For added richness, mix in a little cream cheese or ricotta.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same, or load up on veggies.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Once baked and cooled, cover tightly with foil and freeze. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen, covered, at 350°F for 45–60 minutes.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Rotini, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal. Their ridges and shapes hold the sauce and cheese well.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Turkey pepperoni, sliced salami, or vegetarian pepperoni all work. You can also skip it and use extra veggies.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole brings all the joy of pizza into a warm, satisfying pasta bake. With layers of bold flavor, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
It’s comfort food made simple—easy to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be devoured. Whether you’re craving something cozy, preparing a dish to share, or simply want to spice up your dinner routine, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.