Name: Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

There's something so satisfying about a warm, cheesy dish that brings the best of pizza flavors into a cozy casserole. This Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is more than just dinner; it’s an easy, comforting crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your belly with pure joy.

A black rectangular baking dish filled with baked spiral pasta covered in a thick layer of melted white cheese with a slightly golden finish, scattered with round, dark red pepperoni slices on top. The pasta is coated in a rich red tomato sauce with visible pieces of green bell pepper and brown mushrooms mixed throughout. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, accompanied by two plain white plates stacked with two silver forks on the left, one plate holding a serving of the pasta, and a glass of dark red drink nearby. 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

This casserole has become a favorite in my house because it perfectly blends those beloved pizza toppings into one easy, bake-and-forget dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers for days, it’s just the kind of recipe that makes life easier and tastier.

Comfort food at its finest: Melty cheese, spicy sausage, and savory tomato sauce baked into every bite.
Simple prep with big flavors: You don’t need a ton of fancy skills or ingredients to get this one right.
Family-friendly and customizable: Everyone can enjoy it as is or personalize it with their favorite pizza toppings.
Great for meal planning: Makes enough to feed a crowd and tastes even better as leftovers.

This image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a black baking pan, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: at the bottom is a rich, red tomato sauce with chunks of meat; the middle layer consists of tightly spiraled rotini pasta coated with the sauce; the top layer is a melted, creamy white cheese mixed with scattered slices of dark red pepperoni and small pieces of green bell pepper. The cheese has a stretchy, slightly browned texture that blends with the pasta and toppings, creating a warm and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe plays an important role to create that perfect balance of textures and flavors. I love using simple, quality ingredients that come together quickly, making the whole process a joy rather than a chore.

Flat lay of cooked fusilli pasta in a neat mound, a small pile of raw sweet Italian sausage links, a medium whole yellow onion, three whole garlic bulbs with cloves intact, one fresh green bell pepper, whole cremini mushrooms grouped together, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl filled with red pepper flakes, two small white bowls containing dried basil and dried oregano leaves, three small white bowls holding smooth red tomato sauce, a small heap of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a small white bowl with neatly arranged sliced pepperoni, all arranged symmetrically 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 catch the sauce and cheese beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Bulk Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth with just the right amount of spice (sweet or hot, pick your favorite).
Onion and bell pepper: Provide sweetness and a subtle crunch that lightens up all the richness.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better — trust me on this one.
Cremini mushrooms: These little gems give an earthy note that complements the meat and tomato sauce elegantly.
Strained tomatoes (or tomato sauce): The base of our sauce—simple, rich, and perfect to meld all the flavors.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that glorious gooey top layer we all crave on pizza.
Pepperoni: Adds classic pizza flair and that slightly crispy, spicy touch when baked on top.
Herbs & spices (basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, kosher salt): These bring all the Italian-inspired magic to life.

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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 love how versatile this Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is — it really welcomes your own spin. Sometimes I swap out mushrooms for olives or add a handful of spinach for extra greens. You’ll find it’s easy to tailor to what you have or how you feel.

Variation: For a veggie boost, I often stir in chopped spinach or kale just before baking — adds color and nutrition without losing that pizza vibe.
Making it milder or spicier: Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage or go hotter with added crushed red pepper flakes to suit your family’s tastes.
Cheese swap: Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in some provolone or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top gives the casserole a cheesy upgrade.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage for gluten-free labeling. It still tastes just as delicious.

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

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step saves you from sticky messes later. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli pasta just until al dente — about a minute less than package directions so they don’t get mushy during baking. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse the pasta; the starch helps sauce cling better.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. I like breaking it into bite-sized pieces so every forkful tastes consistent. Then add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms stirring occasionally until the onion softens, around 4-6 minutes. This softening step really develops sweetness here.

Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce

Stir in kosher salt, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano — this combo builds that iconic pizza flavor. Pour in the strained tomatoes (or tomato sauce), then let everything simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and ingredients meld. Once you’re happy, remove the pan from heat.

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole Layers

Pour the meat sauce over the cooked pasta, then toss in half the sliced pepperoni — this ensures pepperoni flavor is distributed instead of just sitting on top. Spread half of this mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese, and leftover pepperoni slices for a layered, cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let flavors marry and cheese melt. Remove the cover and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the cheese on top starts to brown beautifully. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving — this helps it firm up just enough for neat slices.

Top Tip

Having made this casserole many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference. These tips help you get the best texture and flavor, turning an already excellent recipe into an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Don’t overcook the pasta: Undercook it just a bit since it continues to bake in the oven and you want it perfectly tender, not mushy.
Break the sausage into small pieces: This way it cooks evenly and spreads flavor nicely without any chewiness.
Let the casserole rest before cutting: Waiting 10 minutes helps everything set up so your slices hold together better.
Try layering pepperoni inside too: Instead of just topping the casserole, layering pepperoni throughout keeps every bite interesting and flavorful.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

cheesy sausage casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and brightness — it contrasts that rich cheese and meat wonderfully. Sometimes I add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on the side for anyone who wants a little extra heat.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread. I’ve found that a crisp, fresh side really balances the hearty nature of this dish and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try making individual casserole portions in mini ramekins or muffin tins — it’s a fun twist and great for portion control. You can even bake the casserole a day ahead and warm it up just before serving for a relaxed gathering without last-minute fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually divide it into meal-sized portions so it’s easy to grab exactly what I need without reheating the whole thing.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well too — either freeze before baking or after it’s fully cooled post-bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it should last up to 3 months. When I do this, I always thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and prevent drying out. For a quicker option, the microwave works but watch for uneven heating or rubbery cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage and pepperoni and add in extra mushrooms, bell peppers, and maybe some plant-based sausage crumbles or tofu for protein. The cheese and sauce still deliver comforting pizza flavor.

What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini work best because their twists and ridges hold the sauce and cheese well, keeping every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

Is it possible to use homemade tomato sauce?

Definitely! A homemade tomato sauce adds a personal touch and can enhance the casserole’s flavor. Just make sure it’s well seasoned and not too watery to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I love how it brings together simple, familiar flavors in a new, comforting way that gets everyone around the table smiling. Give it a try — I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it did in mine.