The Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe is a delightful twist on classic pizza flavors combined into one comforting, hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Loaded with savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, colorful veggies, and layers of creamy cheese sauce entwined with tender farfalle pasta, this dish brings all the best pizza elements together in one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re craving pizza but want something a little different or looking for a satisfying, cheesy bake, this casserole ticks all the boxes for flavor and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to nailing the Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe. Each item plays its role to build those luscious layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant colors that make this dish irresistible.
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage (ground): Adds juicy, flavorful protein with mild spice to keep everyone happy.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a subtle punch of aromatic warmth to the base flavor.
- 1 jar marinara sauce (26 oz): Anchors the casserole with rich, tangy tomato goodness.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the savory layers perfectly.
- 1/4 cup yellow onion (minced): Adds sweetness and depth to the veggie mix.
- 1 green bell pepper (seeded and chopped): Gives a fresh, slightly crisp bite and lovely color.
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms: Bring earthiness and a tender bite that complements the meats.
- 1 can sliced black olives (3.8 oz): Offers briny zest, balancing the richness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (chopped): A classic pizza topping providing savory, spicy pop.
- 16 oz farfalle pasta: Bowtie-shaped pasta holds sauce and cheese perfectly for each forkful.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the homemade cheese sauce.
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to luscious creaminess.
- 3 cups half and half: Ensures the cheese sauce is rich but not too heavy.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (shredded, about 2 cups): Melts smoothly for fantastic cheesy gooeyness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, sharp flavor depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat to balance the creamy sauce.
- 8 oz packaged mozzarella cheese (shredded): Sprinkled on top to get that bubbling, golden cheesy crust.
How to Make Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cook the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees to get it ready for baking. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the mild Italian sausage along with minced garlic, breaking the sausage up as it cooks until fully cooked through. This creates a flavorful protein base that’s key to the rich taste of the casserole.
Step 2: Drain and Combine Sausage with Marinara
Once cooked, remove the sausage and garlic with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to manage any excess grease. Leave those delicious drippings in the skillet because they will bring extra flavor to the veggies. Mix the sausage with marinara sauce and salt in a large bowl to create a saucy, savory component that will later top the pasta.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Combine with Pepperoni and Olives
Using the drippings left in the skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms until tender and golden. Then stir in sliced black olives and chopped pepperoni—this mixture will add vibrant texture and the classic taste of pizza veggies and toppings. Set this aside for layering onto the casserole later.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which ensures it holds its shape and texture in the casserole. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl for mixing.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a separate large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute until smooth to remove any floury taste. Gradually whisk in the half and half, raising the heat to medium, and cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles nicely. Then stir in fresh mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepper, whisking until creamy and fully melted—this sauce is what makes the casserole irresistibly cheesy.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce, and Layer the Casserole
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to coat every bowtie. Transfer this cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, spoon the sausage marinara mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, then gently layer the sautéed veggies, olives, and pepperoni mixture evenly over everything, creating colorful, delicious layers.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly. Let the casserole stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—it helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions of this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.
How to Serve Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley can add a refreshing pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness, cutting through the rich cheese and meats. A few red pepper flakes are also a great option if you like a little heat on top.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also complement it beautifully, allowing you to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, serve this Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins to give each guest their own perfectly portioned cheesy pizza experience. You can also layer it in glass baking dishes to show off the colorful layers and entice everyone before they even dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is a fantastic way to enjoy tasty, hassle-free meals throughout the week without any extra prep.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Assemble it completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual to enjoy a comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Microwaving works too for a quicker option, but reheating in the oven keeps the texture and cheese quality at its best.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While farfalle is recommended to hold the sauce well, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni will work just fine. Choose your favorite for texture variety.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni, and load up on extra veggies and perhaps some plant-based sausage alternatives for similar flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for half and half in the cheese sauce?
You can use whole milk combined with a little extra butter for richness or a light cream if you want it even creamier. Just avoid skim milk as it might not create the same creamy texture.
How spicy is this casserole?
This version is mild due to the mild Italian sausage, but you can easily adjust the heat by using spicy sausage, adding crushed red pepper flakes, or topping with spicy pepperoni.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe, it will become one of those go-to dishes for a satisfying, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that everyone at your table will love. The blend of classic pizza toppings baked into a creamy pasta casserole is pure comfort food magic that’s surprisingly easy to whip up anytime. So go ahead and dig in—you’re going to love every last bite!
Print
Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Supreme Pizza Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines classic pizza flavors with creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. Featuring savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, pepperoni, olives, and a cheesy blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a hearty, baked casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage (ground)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (26 oz)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1/4 cup yellow onion (minced)
- 1 green bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1 can sliced black olives (3.8 oz)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (chopped)
Pasta
- 16 oz farfalle pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups half and half
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (shredded, about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Topping Cheese
- 8 oz packaged mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the sausage and garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground Italian sausage and minced garlic. Break up the sausage with a fork or potato masher and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Drain sausage: Remove the sausage and garlic mixture using a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Keep the drippings in the skillet for later use.
- Combine sausage and marinara: In a large bowl, mix the drained sausage with marinara sauce and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Sauté the vegetables and toppings: Using the skillet with drippings, add minced onion, chopped green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender. Stir in sliced olives and chopped pepperoni. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan or skillet over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly. Increase heat to medium, slowly add half-and-half while whisking continuously. Cook for 7-10 minutes until thick and bubbly.
- Add cheeses to sauce: Stir in fresh shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and ground black pepper into the thickened sauce. Whisk until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly to coat all the noodles.
- Assemble the casserole: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the pasta and cheese sauce mixture into the dish. Spoon the sausage marinara mixture evenly on top.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle shredded packaged mozzarella cheese over the casserole, then top with the sautéed onion, bell pepper, mushroom, olive, and pepperoni mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Dish out warm casserole and enjoy the savory, cheesy pizza-inspired flavors in every bite.
Notes
- For a spicier version, substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can swap farfalle pasta with penne or rotini if desired.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using freshly grated cheese yields better melting and flavor than pre-shredded cheese due to anti-caking agents.
