Pepperoni Casserole Recipe

Name: Pepperoni Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 (16 ounce) jar pasta sauce; 2 (12 ounce) containers cottage cheese; 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives; 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 (3 ounce) packages sliced pepperoni

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 (16 ounce) jar pasta sauce
2 (12 ounce) s cottage cheese
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives
12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 (3 ounce) packages sliced pepperoni

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, until al dente, then drain.

Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until evenly browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 4: Combine the cooked pasta, sausage, and pasta sauce in the prepared casserole dish. Mix well.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, sliced olives, and shredded mozzarella. Spoon this mixture over the pasta and sausage mixture.

Step 6: Arrange sliced pepperoni on top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

Cooks Note

The ground Italian sausage can be substituted with hamburger if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	694
Total Fat	34g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	86mg
Sodium	1732mg
Total Carbohydrate	54g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	41g
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	426mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	507mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nutrition information is not available for all ingredients. Amounts are based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History and Origins

The pepperoni casserole is a relatively modern American dish that fuses traditional Italian flavors with the convenience of a one-pan casserole. Its origins can be traced back to the evolution of comfort foods in the United States, particularly in the mid-20th century. This dish is often seen as a take on the iconic pizza, using pepperoni, a popular Italian-American sausage, as a key ingredient. As casserole dishes gained popularity in American households, they became the perfect vehicle for combining various favorite pizza ingredientssuch as pasta, cheese, and pepperoniinto a satisfying, baked meal.

Regional Variations

While the pepperoni casserole can be found across the United States, it is particularly popular in regions where comfort food and Italian-inspired dishes dominate the culinary scene, such as the Midwest. The dish has also gained popularity in busy households, as its an easy-to-make, hearty meal that can feed a family with minimal effort. Regional variations often involve different pasta shapes, meat substitutions (e.g., using ground beef instead of Italian sausage), and the inclusion of vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Despite these differences, the core ingredientspepperoni, pasta, and cheeseremain the same.

What Sets It Apart?

At first glance, the pepperoni casserole might seem similar to other pasta-based casseroles, such as baked ziti or lasagna. However, what sets it apart is the use of pepperoni as a central ingredient. While traditional lasagna and ziti rely on a mix of ground meats (typically beef or sausage) and tomato sauce, the pepperoni casserole incorporates the distinctive flavor of sliced pepperoni, which gives the dish a bold, spicy kick. The use of cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, along with the mozzarella topping, also differentiates this casserole from others that may only feature a single type of cheese.

Where Its Served

Pepperoni casserole is a popular choice for casual family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings. Its hearty nature makes it an ideal comfort food for colder months, and it is commonly served as a dinner entre in homes across the country. Because it is quick to prepare and can be made in large quantities, its often served during busy weeks or at informal parties where easy, filling meals are preferred. While it might not be found on upscale restaurant menus, its beloved in home kitchens for its simplicity and nostalgic appeal.

Interesting Facts

Despite its Italian-inspired name, pepperoni is an American creation, made from a blend of pork and beef that is seasoned with paprika and other spices.
The pepperoni casserole is sometimes called "lazy lasagna" because it contains many of the same ingredients but without the complicated layering process.
In some variations of the casserole, ingredients like spinach or mushrooms are added to enhance flavor and texture, making it more of a pizza casserole with a wider range of toppings.
One of the best things about this dish is its adaptabilitymany cooks experiment with different sauces, cheeses, and even types of pepperoni (such as turkey pepperoni) to suit personal tastes or dietary restrictions.

FAQ about Pepperoni Casserole Recipe

Leftover Pepperoni Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can microwave it or bake it in the oven until heated through.

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If you prepare it ahead of time, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Yes, you can freeze Pepperoni Casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, bake it at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes if frozen, or until it’s fully heated.

You can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if you prefer. Some people also use a blend of ricotta and mozzarella for a creamier texture.

Yes, to make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply omit the sausage and pepperoni. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, and use a meat-free pasta sauce.

To make the casserole spicier, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or use spicy sausage instead of mild Italian sausage. You could also add jalapeños or spicy pepperoni for an extra kick.

You can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni. The key is to use a pasta that can hold the sauce and cheese well.

Yes, you can use different cheeses if you prefer. Mozzarella is the most common, but you could also try using cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.

If the casserole turns out too dry, you can add extra sauce before baking. You could also cover the casserole with foil while baking to keep moisture in, or top it with a little extra cheese to add more richness.

Yes, you can add more vegetables to the casserole. Consider adding spinach, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them before mixing them into the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

Comments

MONEHICKS

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

My family loves this dish. I have a picky 5 yr. old who only wants pizza and hot dogs. This dish has become her favorite. I made a few changes. I started off by sauteeing a frozen 3 pepper and onion blend in evoo with minced garlic. I then added the Italian sausage to it. I used 2 16 oz. jars of Spaghetti Sauce instead of 1. I took out the black olives and added frozen spinach. I used 16oz. of mozzarella as well. I had enough left over for leftovers for my lunch and dinner again. This was totally full of awesomeness.

Kerry

06/07/2017 11:54:26 PM

I loved this recipe! I did make some changes to spice it up a bit, especially since I couldn't get ahold of ground italian sausage. So I did the following: Used tricolor rotini for color. Didn't use the black olives. Also used ground beef instead of sausage, cooked with three slices of bacon (gave bacon to the dog afterwards), used Mexican cheese, doubled sauce. For sauce, used Prego Italian Sausage & Garlic. Added 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to meat as it browned. Added ½ the cheese mixture partway through, rest on top. Used turkey pepperoni (70% less fat) and used a little less than 1 container. My fiance and stepson enjoyed it but said that it could have been even spicier. I thought it was 100% perfect, but I don't like a lot of spice in my food. Next time I think I'll add some hot sauce or something.

Mary P

04/02/2009 08:49:31 AM

I needed an easy but good recipe for my daughters baby shower. I was thinking of lasagna, but didn't want all the work involved. I thought of noodles in a meat sauce, but that seemed so blaa. When I saw the picture with this recipe, I knew this was it. I realized that this can be classified as a "lazy lasagna" since all the ingredients are the same. I made it in a deep crock pot, so I did 2 layers. I put 1/2 the noodles in sauce in the pot and 1/2 the cottage cheese, then the rest of the noodles and cheese and topped with the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. I then put the inside pot of the cooker into the oven until the cheese was melted and bubbly (350 for about 1/2 hour) I read the other reviews where some said it was dry, so I had another crock pot on the table with some extra spaghetti sauce. I lot of people added sauce to it. I did make one change to the recipe, I only used 1/2 cottage cheese and the other 1/2 used ricotta. Everyone who ate it loved it and asked for the recipe. One word of advise, we had a few vegitarians at the party that we forgot about. I'm sorry I didn't make a second batch with maybe spinach and/or broccoli in it for them.

JEWELJETT

01/26/2023 08:12:45 PM

I really liked this! However I took the advise of others and fried an onion and mushrooms and added that to sauce and meat. I also did a layer of pepperoni on top of the cheese followed by cheese again and broiled at end until it was nice and brown and crispy. Next time I make it I'll use ground beef instead of sausage and lots of pepperoni! Reminded me of lasagna but much faster to prep!

James

01/20/2018 09:27:09 PM

I didn't have black olives and added some saute mushrooms and stew tomatoes to toss with sauce and sausage. I used half the amount of cheeses and there was still enough to spread out. I then layer on top of the cheese mixture thinly sliced onion before a layer of pepperoni slices. Everyone had two helpings...I guess it was a hit.

DD

09/09/2012 07:18:05 PM

Easy to make and inexpensive too. I used 2 jars of Ragu six cheese sauce and added Italian seasonings and crushed red peppers (we like spicy), put the olives in the sauce. I did use mild sausage as I was afraid the hot would make it too hot, thus the peppers. Used 12 ounces of ricotta instead of 24 of the cottage cheese and 16 ounces of mozzarella. Baked 35 minutes, we like the pepperoni crispy. Next time will add fresh chopped green pepper, maybe some onion and use 1/2 hot sausage and 1/2 ground beef leaving the crushed red peppers for a topper. My 21 year old son liked it but says no olives next time. He would eat it again.

SashaItaliano

02/27/2012 12:57:11 PM

this was awesome and so easy!! I used my homemade spaghtti sauce and also used fusilli noodles instead of Rotini. A HUGE hit at my house but I will follow other suggestions for next time. That being that I will layer the cheese mixture- meat and noodles, then cheese mixture, then meat and noodle mixture, then the cheese mixture to top it. We love cheese! You will love this recipe!

kyh252

07/16/2013 02:36:06 PM

This recipe was delicious with a few minor adjustments. I used ricotta cheese (instead of cottage), mozzarella AND cheddar cheese. I also used a layer of the cheese mixture and pepperoni in the middle. I will definitely make this again my family loved it!!!

Tonja Grothe

02/19/2014 05:11:59 PM

Pretty good. Tasted like a cross between pizza and lasagna. A few comments on what others posted about dry noodles, etc. I used a 24 oz can of "zesty" spaghetti sauce so flavor was good. I wouldn't say it was dry, but not overly juicy. However, because we have a vegetarian, I did make about an extra 2 oz (18 oz total) of pasta too. That way I could separate some out in her meatless version without shorting the pan for the rest of the family too much. Took longer to cook to get a nice brown color on top of cheese, but we are high altitude, had her extra small pan above it in the oven, and our oven seems to be acting up too. Was right amount of cheese (cottage cheese, etc.). My vegetarian daughter's I did end up slicing in half four of her veggie meatballs and putting those on top in place of the pepperoni. She loved it! Will make this again. Didn't really need any extra, but might experiment next time some peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.

Lisa Wehrs

11/16/2014 08:48:20 AM

This was like magic in my mouth. My whole family loved this! My kids asked me what we were having for dinner the next day and I told them leftovers, they were super excited. They told me this was the best meal ever! I did add a little more sauce, 24 oz instead of 16 oz, sprinkled Parmesan over the top before baking and omitted the olives. Mushrooms would have been great but, my children do not like mushrooms.

Sarah Jo

08/28/2009 04:19:44 PM

This recipe owns because it's cheap and you can really stretch it to feed whoever you've got hanging around. Most of the ingredients used in this dish was bought either at Dollar Tree or Grocery Outlet. No italian sausage on hand, but I did have a pound of ground beef. I sauteed one onion and a couple minced cloves of garlic in EVOO, then added the meat. My boys aren't big on cottage cheese, so I only used 12 oz. and I added another 14 oz. jar of Ragu. I tasted it and thought it needed a little something, so I added a tsp. of Italian seasoning and a couple shakes of Frank's Hot Sauce. My boys and I ate the heck out of this. I love how you can make this casserole to suit your family. I served it with Parmesan Herb Bread, which is also from this site. This recipe makes a lot so make sure you're hungry. I'd like to make this again and see if I can't cut back on the meat and use more fresh chopped veggies, like carrots, zucchini and spinach.

Shelley Olson

08/05/2025 06:37:31 PM

The cheese topping was great! Sounded like a lot of cottage cheese, but it totally worked!

Jake

07/02/2025 01:31:27 PM

Next time, I'll try mixing the cheese in after baking for a creamier pasta. I might also bake it without pepperoni first, then broil it with pepperoni and extra mozzarella.

Jason Miller

03/16/2025 10:01:19 PM

I didn’t think cooking could feel this satisfying.

RonGoings

02/21/2024 12:23:52 PM

Like pizza in a casserole, used hamburger instead of sausage, and added mushrooms.

DANI_G

05/21/2023 04:52:45 PM

Most requested by my family. Kids love it!

Shelly Domke

01/10/2021 09:12:26 PM

This turned out perfectly. Followed exactly except I threw in some oregano and basil to taste (sauce I used was pretty bland) and left out olives because...ew...lol. Otherwise it’s a really easy, really filling casserole and will be a great meal for the week. I’m sure you could make adjustments like using ricotta instead of cottage cheese or obviously different pasta like penne or whatever you have on hand. Thanks for the recipe!

Stacey DeBaun

07/02/2020 10:58:12 PM

I have made this recipe at least a dozen times and my family loves it every time!! One of my sons favorite recipes! I’ve been making it for him since I found this recipe and he’s 19 now and still asks for this meal by name! Thanks for a great recipe and a great way for my son to make me still feel needed

capgirl77

05/07/2020 01:30:30 AM

Excellent recipe! The only thing I’m going to do next time is cut the recipe in half, now we will have left overs for a few days lol. Also I know now to season the noodles too because when you dig into the dish the noodles are bland. My family loved it and my of course my son loved the pepperoni.

Susan

10/30/2019 09:26:16 PM

It was great and easy to make! I made it Friday and by Saturday it was gone

Cook Time: 35 minutes