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

Nothing says comfort quite like a bubbling, cheesy, saucy dish fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is exactly that—layer upon layer of all your favorite pizza flavors, tossed with tender pasta and baked to golden perfection. I promise, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that feels cozy and indulgent all at once.

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

I’ve been making this casserole for years now, and it never gets old because it brings together the best of two worlds—pizza and pasta. The way the sausage, melted cheese, and tomato sauce combine with fusilli makes it downright irresistible.

Ultimate comfort food: It blends hearty Italian sausage and gooey mozzarella with pasta, creating a filling meal perfect for family dinners.
Easy to make: One dish, simple steps, and ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Flexible and customizable: You can easily swap veggies or meats to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Feeds a crowd: This casserole serves about 8, making it perfect for weeknight family meals or meal prep lunches.

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 plays its part perfectly here—rich sausage brings savory depth, the veggies add freshness and texture, and the three-cheese blend guarantees gooey, melty goodness. Here’s a quick rundown on why these ingredients shine together.

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 grabs onto sauce and cheese like a champ, making every bite flavorful.
Bulk Italian sausage: The star protein, whether sweet or spicy, delivers bold flavor and a meaty bite.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and softens to complement the sausage.
Garlic: A fragrant essential that adds warmth and depth.
Green bell pepper: Gives a fresh crunch and mild sweetness, brightening the dish.
Cremini mushrooms: Bring earthiness and a tender bite, adding umami complexity.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Red pepper flakes: For that little kick, adjustable to how spicy you like it.
Dried basil and oregano: The classic pizza herbs that tie everything together.
Strained tomatoes (or tomato sauce): A rich, smooth base that’s perfect for baking into the pasta.
Mozzarella cheese: That stretchy, melty topping that makes the whole thing heavenly.
Pepperoni slices: Adds a pop of salty, spicy pizzazz on 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

This casserole is a fantastic base to get creative with. I often tweak it depending on the season or what’s in the fridge, and you should too! Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorites.

Variation: I sometimes toss in some sliced black olives or chopped spinach for extra veggie power. It’s a great way to sneak in greens without losing any of that pizza vibe.
Meat swap: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage if you want a lighter option—it still tastes amazing!
Cheese mix-up: Adding a little parmesan or provolone with the mozzarella amps up the flavor beautifully.
Spicy twist: Crank up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little fire.

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

Step 1: Cook Your Fusilli to Al Dente

I start by boiling the pasta in plenty of salted water. You want it just al dente because it’ll cook a bit more in the oven. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy after baking, so keep a close eye and taste early. Drain and set it aside while we get the sauce going.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook it until nicely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Then add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Let these soften—your kitchen will smell incredible by this point! After about 4-6 minutes, the veggies should be tender and your base is ready for seasoning.

Step 3: Season and Simmer the Sauce

Sprinkle in the salt, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano. Stir everything together and pour in the strained tomatoes to create that classic pizza sauce flavor. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to let those herbs bloom and meld with the sausage and veggies. Then remove from heat—this sauce smells heavenly!

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Mix the sauce with the cooked fusilli and half of the pepperoni slices. Pour half the noodle mixture into your greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, then scatter half the mozzarella on top. Layer the remaining noodles, cheese, and finish off with the rest of the pepperoni for that golden, crispy pizza topping vibe.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your casserole and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes to meld all those flavors. Then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns beautifully golden brown. Let it rest a bit before serving—that’s when it sets up nicely and is easiest to slice.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole dozens of times, and a few tweaks can really up your game. Here’s what I’ve learned to make sure your Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe shines every single time.

Don’t overcook pasta: Cooking to al dente is key. Mushy noodles can ruin the texture after baking.
Drain excess fat: After browning the sausage, drain off any extra grease so the casserole doesn’t get oily.
Layering matters: Distributing cheese and pepperoni evenly ensures every bite gets that pizza feeling.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool 5-10 minutes post-bake so it holds together better when serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Sausage Pizza - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh basil or oregano leaves on top for a bright, herbal touch. A tiny drizzle of chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes on the side lets spice-lovers customize their slices. And never underestimate the power of a little Parmesan on top for added savoriness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad—something simple like arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Garlic bread or roasted veggies round out the meal perfectly for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I assemble this casserole in individual ramekins to serve personalized portions that look charming. Another fun idea is to layer it in a clear glass dish so you can see all those cheesy, saucy layers—great for family-style dinners or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as tasty—if not better. Just pop it covered in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble as usual, but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and chill or freeze. When you’re ready, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, then uncover to brown the cheese. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered to keep the moisture. Removing the cover in the last 5-10 minutes lets the cheese crisp back up nicely. I avoid microwaving if I want to keep that crispy top layer intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta instead of fusilli in this casserole?

Absolutely! While fusilli is great because it catches the sauce in its coils, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.

Is it better to use sweet or hot Italian sausage?

Both work wonderfully—you can adjust based on how spicy you want it. Sweet Italian sausage gives a milder, more traditional flavor, while hot adds a nice kick. Sometimes I mix both for a balanced taste.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

Does the casserole freeze well if I want to save leftovers?

Definitely. This casserole freezes well before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a comforting meal anytime.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want a no-fuss crowd-pleaser. It feels like a warm hug from your favorite pizza place but homemade and way cozier. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it always fills my kitchen with laughter, great flavors, and happy tummies.