Name: Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 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

There’s something about the warm, melty goodness of a baked pasta layered with rich sausage and gooey cheese that just hits the spot. This Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe combines all your favorite pizza flavors into one comforting, crowd-pleasing dish you can make any night of the week.

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 Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. I’ve made it countless times, and every single time it disappears fast. It’s the perfect mix of cheesy, savory, and just a little bit spicy, plus it’s easy to scale up when you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.

Incredible Flavor Mashup: Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella bring your favorite pizza tastes straight into a pasta bake.
Great for Meal Prep: This casserole stores beautifully and reheats wonderfully, making busy weeknights easier.
Simple to Make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, it feels like less work than homemade pizza but rewards you just as much.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for family dinner or potlucks, it satisfies picky eaters and seasoned pizza lovers alike.

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 Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe plays a part in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the pasta that provides a sturdy base, to the sausage and vegetables that bring savory depth, these components all complement each other perfectly.

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: Its spiral shape holds onto sauce and cheese beautifully for a bite that’s never dry.
Bulk Italian sausage: I like sweet, but spicy works too — it’s the savory heart of the dish with plenty of flavor.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and softness after cooking down.
Garlic: A must for that classic Italian depth and aroma.
Green bell pepper: Offers a mild crunch and freshness to balance out the richness.
Cremini mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they add a delicious texture contrast.
Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors — don’t skip or underestimate this.
Red pepper flakes: Just a touch for a gentle kick and warmth.
Dried basil & oregano: Classic Italian seasonings that tie everything together.
Strained tomatoes: I use canned strained tomatoes for a rich sauce without chunks.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that perfect gooey layer everyone loves.
Pepperoni: Adds that familiar pizza pop of flavor on the top and inside.

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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’ve played around with toppings and spices over time, and I think this recipe is really well balanced as is — but feel free to put your spin on it! I promise it’ll still come out great, and making it your own keeps cooking fun.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the pepperoni for sliced black olives or even cooked sausage crumbles for a twist that still nails that pizza vibe.
Dietary Modifications: For a lower-carb option, try spiralized zucchini in place of the pasta, and go light on the cheese to keep it balanced.
Spice it Up: If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. I do this on colder nights when I want a little fiery comfort.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Getting the pasta perfectly al dente is crucial because it will continue to cook in the oven. I boil salted water — don’t forget the salt, it seasons the noodles — and cook the fusilli according to package directions, usually about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; you want the sauce to stick.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

I like to break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon while it cooks over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step releases the sausage’s fat and flavor, which creates a tasty base for the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables & Simmer the Sauce

Once the sausage is browned, toss in the onion, garlic, green pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until the onions soften, about 4-6 minutes. Then add salt, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano. Pour in the strained tomatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer for about 3-4 minutes to let the flavors marry. Then remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine & Layer Your Casserole

Pour this meat sauce onto your cooked pasta, add half the pepperoni, and mix to combine everything evenly. Next, spread half the noodles in your greased 9x13 baking dish. Layer with half the mozzarella, then add the remaining noodles, another layer of cheese, and top it all off with the rest of the pepperoni slices.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake another 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbling and the cheese is golden and slightly crisp on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end to get just the right amount of browning.

Top Tip

After making this casserole a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make the difference between good and “wow!” moments in this recipe.

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Remember, it cooks more in the oven. Slightly firm pasta keeps the casserole from becoming mushy.
Use Quality Sausage: I’ve found that a good Italian sausage with fresh herbs makes all the difference in taste.
Layer Cheese Strategically: Putting cheese between layers as well as on top ensures every bite gets melty and cheesy.
Cover It While Baking: Covering prevents the casserole from drying out during the initial baking phase.

How to Serve Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Italian sausage casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of tangy sweetness that’s surprisingly delightful.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread for dunking up any leftover sauce. I also sometimes serve roasted vegetables on the side to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve assembled individual servings in mini ramekins and baked them—everyone loved the personal touch! You could also layer it in a deep-dish pizza pan for a different shape and chunkier slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it stays great for about 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes I actually prefer the next day’s portion!

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. I either freeze the entire assembled dish before baking or freeze individual portions after cooking. Just wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the edges crispy. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine—just add a sprinkle of water and cover to keep moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While fusilli is great for holding sauce, penne or rigatoni also work really well. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the sausage and pepperoni and substitute with extra mushrooms, bell peppers, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Adding hearty veggies keeps the casserole satisfying and full of flavor.

How spicy is this Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes and Italian sausage, but you can easily adjust the heat by using sweet sausage and reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals because of how it combines simple ingredients into something truly special. I love sharing it with friends because it’s both familiar and crowd-pleasing, plus it’s forgiving enough for home cooks of all levels. Give it a try, and I think you’ll find it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.