Best 3 Make Ahead Pizza Casserole Recipes

Indulge in the convenience of preparing a delectable dish ahead of time with our versatile make-ahead pizza casserole. This crowd-pleasing recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings. With its customizable toppings and hassle-free preparation, this casserole promises a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for later. Explore our collection of recipes featuring variations that cater to different dietary preferences, including a vegetarian option. From the classic pepperoni and cheese combination to the zesty flavors of Italian sausage and peppers, each recipe provides detailed instructions for creating a mouthwatering pizza casserole that will tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MAKE-AHEAD PIZZA CASSEROLE

Make-Ahead Pizza Casserole image

Take just 20 minutes to put together this pasta bake, and dinner for the next night is done!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 9h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 lb mild Italian pork sausage
2 cups water
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with sweet onion, undrained
4 cups uncooked rotini pasta (10 oz)
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or pizza cheese blend (6 oz)

Steps:

In 10-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; drain.
In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, mix water, pizza sauce and tomatoes. Stir in cooked sausage, uncooked pasta and olives (pasta should be completely covered with sauce). Cover tightly with foil; refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, heat oven to 350°F. Stir casserole; cover with foil and bake 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Uncover baking dish; stir mixture. Sprinkle with cheese; bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 500, Carbohydrate 50 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1250 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 0 g

PIZZA PASTA CASSEROLE

Pizza Pasta Casserole image

Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. -Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 2 casseroles (10 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
1 package (16 ounces) spiral or cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
8 ounces sliced pepperoni

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and pasta. , Transfer to 2 greased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Sprinkle with cheese. Arrange pepperoni over the top. , Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casseroles; cover and freeze up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake as directed, increasing time to 35-40 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 301 calories, Fat 15g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 545mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

MAKE-AHEAD PIZZA CASSEROLE

Make-Ahead Pizza Casserole image

Make and share this Make-Ahead Pizza Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by hungrykitten

Categories Pork

Time 1h25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 lb mild Italian pork sausage
2 cups water
1 (15 ounce) can pizza sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with sweet onions, undrained
4 cups uncooked rotini pasta (10 oz)
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 oz) or 1 1/2 cups pizza cheese, blend (6 oz)

Steps:

In 10 inch skillet, cook sausage over medium high heat 8-10 minutes stirring frequently, until no longer pink; drain.
In ungreased 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish (3 qt), mix water, pizza sauce and tomatoes. Stir in cooked sausage, uncooked pasta and olives (pasta should be completely covered with sauce). Cover tightly with foil; refrigerate.
at least 8 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir casserole, cover with foil and bake 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Uncover baking dish; stir mixture. Sprinkle with cheese, bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 698.8, Fat 33.9, SaturatedFat 12.8, Cholesterol 79.6, Sodium 1168.3, Carbohydrate 69, Fiber 3.8, Sugar 10.8, Protein 28.2

Tips:

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough before adding the toppings.
Use a variety of toppings to create a flavorful and visually appealing casserole.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and sauces.
If you're short on time, use store-bought pizza dough or sauce.
Make sure to bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Pizza casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily customized to your liking. With a little planning, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.