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

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a dish that blends the heartiness of sausage with gooey, melted cheese and all the best pizza flavors. The Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

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 dish feels like a warm hug from your favorite pizza place, but simpler and with way less fuss. I’m always excited to make it because it’s a guaranteed hit at the table and super flexible to suit what you have on hand.

Layered flavors: The combination of savory sausage, tangy tomatoes, and herbs creates a sauce that’s bursting with pizza goodness.
Cheesy comfort food: Melty mozzarella makes every bite satisfyingly gooey and indulgent.
Easy to prep ahead: You can assemble it in advance, which saves time on busy nights.
Kid-friendly and customizable: Everyone can enjoy it, and you can swap ingredients to suit your family's tastes.

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 casserole plays a special role to recreate pizza flavors in a comforting baked dish. Plus, I’ll share a few tips so you can pick the best versions and get great texture every time.

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 sauce perfectly, so every bite gets coated. I like fusilli for casseroles, but penne or rigatoni work well too.
Bulk Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor with a nice fat content to keep the sauce rich. I usually use sweet, but I switched it to hot when I want a bit of a kick.
Onion: Builds the flavor base—make sure to cook until soft for that mellow sweetness.
Garlic: A must for pizza flavor! Mince it finely so it blends in nicely.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh crunch and color contrast; dice it small so it roasts evenly.
Cremini mushrooms: Adds earthiness and umami. I love this little flavor boost that pairs with sausage perfectly.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning everything just right without overpowering.
Red pepper flakes: For a tiny heat spark that wakes up the dish—optional but recommended.
Dried basil & oregano: Classic Italian herbs that keep this casserole tasting authentically pizza-inspired.
Strained tomatoes or tomato sauce: The hearty tomato base that ties everything together. I prefer strained tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty star of the show—choose full-fat for maximum melt and stretch.
Sliced pepperoni: Adds those signature pizza bites you expect in this casserole—the perfect topping finish.

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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 mixing things up with this Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe, depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to make it your own signature dish.

Vegetarian variation: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach—you won’t miss the meat.
Extra spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the sauce step for a fiery kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Cheese blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a richer, deeper cheese flavor that melts beautifully.
Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep this cozy casserole accessible for everyone.

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

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Pasta

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing your 9 x 13-inch baking dish so the casserole won't stick. Boil your fusilli in salted water until it’s just al dente—this is key! You don’t want mushy pasta in the casserole because it will cook more in the oven. Drain it and set aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Bring the Sausage and Veggies to Life

Cook the bulk Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. This usually takes 6–8 minutes until nicely browned. Then add your diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and quartered cremini mushrooms. Let everything cook together for 4–6 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions go translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—trust me!

Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce

Next, sprinkle in the kosher salt, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano—these herbs really bring out that authentic pizza flavor. Stir everything well before adding the strained tomatoes. Give the sauce a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes to meld the flavors. Then, take the pan off the heat and get ready for assembly.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble Your Casserole

Pour the meaty tomato sauce over the cooked pasta, toss in half the pepperoni slices, and mix well. Place half of this mixture in your greased baking dish, then sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella over it. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese and pepperoni. This layering ensures every bite has a good balance of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and lightly browns—this is when it gets visually irresistible. Let it cool slightly before scooping to avoid losing that molten cheesy texture.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few tweaks that turn this Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe from great to unforgettable at my dinner table.

Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it al dente means it won’t get soggy when baked. It’s a texture game-changer.
Use quality sausage: Choosing fresh bulk Italian sausage (not pre-cooked crumbles) gives a richer, fresher flavor.
Cover the casserole initially: Trapping moisture while baking prevents drying out before that final golden cheese melt.
Customize your cheese: Mixing mozzarella with a little parmesan or fontina can give extra depth if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Sausage Pizza - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving—it brightens the dish and adds freshness. Sometimes I add a few red pepper flakes at the table for a little extra heat, too.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—everyone gets their own personal cheesy pizza bake! It’s fun and feels a little fancy without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cool it completely before storing to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

This Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes well either before baking (cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap) or after it's cooked. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. I avoid microwaving because the cheese can get rubbery, but if you must, zap it in short bursts with a paper towel on top to prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While fusilli is great because it holds onto the sauce really well, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and add extra veggies to keep it hearty. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

You can increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños when cooking the veggies. You can also layer spicy pepperoni or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato base for more heat.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just bake it as usual, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s so adaptable and filling. Sharing it feels like sharing a little slice of joy and cozy evenings around the table. I know you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it—so grab your ingredients and give it a try, friend. You can count on it turning simple ingredients into something truly special.