Name: Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz fusilli pasta; 1 lb bulk Italian sausage (sweet or hot); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced; 8 oz cremini mushrooms, quartered; 1 ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tsp dried basil; 1 ½ tsp dried oregano; 3 15-oz cans strained tomatoes (or tomato sauce); 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup (about 4 oz) sliced pepperoni

Imagine a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that brings all the best pizza flavors into one easy, family-friendly meal. That's exactly what the Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe delivers — it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd without fuss.

The image shows a black rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta. The dish has three main layers visible: a base layer of red tomato sauce mixed with small green and brown pieces, a middle layer of spiral pasta coated with sauce, and a top layer covered with melted white cheese and round slices of pepperoni evenly spread across the surface. Part of the pasta has been scooped out, revealing the layered texture inside. Nearby, on the white marbled surface, two white plates are stacked with two forks on top, and a glass with a dark red drink is placed close to the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want comfort food that feels special but is totally doable. The layers of sausage, cheese, and that tangy tomato sauce meld together so beautifully, it’s basically a pizza party in casserole form.

Simple prep: It’s mostly hands-off once the sauce is simmering, which makes weeknight dinners so much easier.
Family-friendly flavors: The cheesy, savory combo appeals to kids and grown-ups alike.
Customizable ingredients: You can swap veggie add-ins or spice it up depending on your mood.
Great for leftovers: It reheats wonderfully, making lunch or dinner the next day even better.

This image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a black baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is red tomato sauce with chunks of meat; the middle layer consists of curly rotini pasta coated with sauce, creating a mix of orange and red hues; the top layer is melted white cheese spread unevenly, with dark red pepperoni slices and small green bell pepper pieces scattered on top. The cheese appears slightly browned in some spots, blending with the pasta and toppings around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this casserole plays a key role, whether it’s creating that rich tomato sauce or adding layers of flavor and texture. When I shop for this, I always pick fresh veggies and good-quality sausage because it really shows in the final dish.

Flat lay of fusilli pasta twists, a small pile of bulk Italian sausage, a medium diced onion, three whole garlic cloves, a diced green bell pepper, quartered cremini mushrooms, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, small white bowls with dried basil and dried oregano, three small white bowls filled with strained tomato sauce, a mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoni arranged neatly on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fusilli pasta: The twists hold onto sauce and cheese perfectly, so every bite is flavorful.
Italian sausage: Adds savory depth—sweet or hot sausage works, depending on how spicy you like it.
Onion: Softens and sweetens the sauce base for balanced flavor.
Garlic: A must-have for that signature aroma and taste.
Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a slight crunch.
Cremini mushrooms: Earthy flavor that complements the meatiness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle heat that livens things up.
Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that make the sauce feel authentic.
Strained tomatoes (or tomato sauce): The rich base that ties everything together.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Pepperoni slices: Adds extra pizza flair and a tasty finishing touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this casserole recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Maybe toss in some olives or swap the pepperoni for ham — it’s flexible and still delicious.

Vegetarian version: I once made this with plant-based sausage and added lots of extra mushrooms; it was a hit even with meat-eaters!
Spice it up: If you want more heat, doubling the red pepper flakes or adding some sliced jalapeños works great.
Cheese swap: Using a blend of mozzarella and provolone can take the cheesy factor up a notch.
Seasonal veggies: Try roasted zucchini or spinach when green peppers aren’t your thing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta ‘al dente’

First things first, get your pasta cooking in a big pot of salted boiling water. I recommend cooking it just ‘al dente’ — that slight firmness keeps it from getting mushy after baking. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to mix with the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies

While the pasta cooks, brown your Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small, bite-sized pieces. This usually takes 6-8 minutes. Then, toss in your diced onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until the onions are soft and the mushrooms have released their juices—about 4-6 minutes. This layering builds a rich, hearty flavor foundation.

Step 3: Build the flavorful sauce

Season everything in the skillet with kosher salt, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano. Stir in the strained tomatoes or tomato sauce and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to let those herbs bloom and mingle with the meat and veggies. This is where the magic happens—the sauce should smell fantastic!

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Now it’s time to combine. Pour the savory meat sauce over the cooked noodles, add half the pepperoni slices, and mix it all well. Then, in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half the noodle mixture, sprinkle half the mozzarella, add the rest of the noodles, then top with the remaining cheese and pepperoni. This layering gives you that perfect cheese pull and a crispy, golden top.

Step 5: Bake to bubbly, cheesy perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is beautifully browned. Keep an eye on it toward the end—you want that glorious golden topping without burning the edges.

Top Tip

From my cooking adventures with this casserole, I’ve found a few things that make a big difference and help ensure your Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole turns out perfectly every time.

Don’t overcook the pasta: It might sound obvious, but I’ve made the mistake of cooking pasta too long. When baked again, it became mushy. Cooking to al dente is key.
Brown the sausage well: Getting a nice sear adds depth to the flavor that simple cooked meat can’t match.
Let the sauce simmer briefly: It helps the spices and herbs meld together, making the sauce more vibrant.
Cover for most of baking time: This prevents drying out, then uncovered towards the end to get that irresistible bubbly cheese crust.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Sausage Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Sometimes a few red pepper flakes added after baking give that extra little kick we all enjoy.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly, and garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always handy for mopping up that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in small ramekins—they make cute personal casseroles that look impressive on the table. Alternatively, layering extras like caramelized onions or roasted red peppers adds a gourmet twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To keep the cheese melty, I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella before warming.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While fusilli is great for holding sauce, penne or rigatoni also work well. Just cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap out the sausage for a plant-based meat substitute or simply add extra mushrooms and veggies for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How spicy is the Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe?

The recipe has a mild kick thanks to the red pepper flakes and spicy sausage option, but you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or skipping the spice to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and freeze it?

Definitely. This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, frozen, and then baked straight from the freezer, just add extra baking time as needed to ensure it’s cooked through.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is genuinely one of my go-to dishes when I want comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor without a lot of fuss. It’s cozy, flexible, and satisfying—perfect for a busy weeknight or when guests drop by unexpectedly. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do!