Easy Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

If you’re searching for a hearty, family-pleasing meal that combines the rich flavors of classic pizza with the simplicity of a casserole, this Easy Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole Recipe is your answer. It’s comforting, customizable, and brings all the melty, savory joy of pizza to your dinner table—with far less fuss than dough tossing or pizza delivery.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole bakes up quickly and delivers bubbling cheese, robust sauce, and zesty beef—all with minimal prep and cleanup.

Why This Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole Is So Irresistible

What elevates this recipe beyond a typical casserole is the winning flavor combination: tender pasta, perfectly seasoned beef, tangy pizza sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. Baked to a golden finish and topped with your favorite pizza add-ons (think pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms), this dish never fails to delight both kids and adults.

The casserole format means you can prep ahead, bake when you need it, and easily double the recipe for a crowd. Plus, the ingredient lineup is budget-friendly and endlessly versatile.

Smart Prep for the Best Casserole

Sautéing the beef with aromatics provides deep flavor, while the addition of your go-to pizza sauce streamlines the seasoning. To save time and achieve perfectly diced veggie toppings in seconds, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper lets you prep peppers, onions, or mushrooms with minimal effort.

You’ll want to cook your pasta until just al dente (it will finish softening in the bake), and don’t skimp on the cheese—a blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives the best gooey, golden result.

Layering and Baking for Perfect Results

Assemble the casserole in layers to guarantee even flavor in every scoop. Start with pasta, then meaty sauce, then cheese, then repeat. For extra pizzazz, arrange your favorite pizza toppings on the final layer.

To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup, line your baking dish with a strip of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This step makes serving (and especially scrubbing) a breeze.

Once layered, bake until bubbly and let it rest a few minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad—transport it easily to potlucks or lunch with a Bentgo Salad Container—and a side of garlic bread. Any leftovers reheat beautifully in the COSORI Air Fryer for a crispy-cheese crust in minutes.

For meal prep, store portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep everything fresh.

Nutritional Information and Servings

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings, with each portion offering about 480-530 calories (depending on toppings and cheese amounts). It’s packed with protein and calcium—a satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a staple.

Easy Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole Recipe (Recap)

This recipe streamlines all the best parts of pizza—saucy beef, stretchy cheese, customizable toppings—into a fuss-free casserole format. It’s the ultimate comfort meal that’s both simple to assemble and seriously crowd-pleasing.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
2. Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the onion until soft. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
4. Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, mushrooms, and bell peppers (if using) to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Combine cooked pasta and beef mixture. Spread half in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and half the pepperoni (optional). Repeat with remaining pasta mixture, cheese, and pepperoni.
6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This irresistible easy cheesy beef pizza casserole will quickly become a family favorite—giving you all the pizza flavor you crave, in a weeknight-friendly bake!