Name: Cheesy Italian 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 comforting about a bubbling, cheesy bake that combines all those classic flavors you recognize and love. This Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe brings together pasta, sausage, and gooey cheese for a meal that tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a regular in your dinner rotation.

The image shows a black rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta. The dish has three main layers visible: a base layer of red tomato sauce mixed with small green and brown pieces, a middle layer of spiral pasta coated with sauce, and a top layer covered with melted white cheese and round slices of pepperoni evenly spread across the surface. Part of the pasta has been scooped out, revealing the layered texture inside. Nearby, on the white marbled surface, two white plates are stacked with two forks on top, and a glass with a dark red drink is placed close to the bottom left corner. 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 hits all the right notes: it’s hearty, full of flavor, and straightforward enough that making it feels like a breeze, even after a long day. I always get excited when I know there’s a pan of this in the oven ready to feed my family.

Comfort food at its best: Combining traditional pizza flavors in a warm, cheesy pasta bake is pure comfort food magic.
Simple preparation: Nothing complicated here—you just brown, mix, and bake.
Family favorite: It’s one of those dishes that tends to disappear fast at my house!
Customizable: You can easily tweak it to suit your taste buds or what’s in your fridge.

This image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a black baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is red tomato sauce with chunks of meat; the middle layer consists of curly rotini pasta coated with sauce, creating a mix of orange and red hues; the top layer is melted white cheese spread unevenly, with dark red pepperoni slices and small green bell pepper pieces scattered on top. The cheese appears slightly browned in some spots, blending with the pasta and toppings around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a delicious role. From the savory Italian sausage to the melty mozzarella, each element combines for a casserole that’s rich and balanced. When shopping, pick fresh veggies and good-quality sausage for the best results.

Flat lay of fusilli pasta twists, a small pile of bulk Italian sausage, a medium diced onion, three whole garlic cloves, a diced green bell pepper, quartered cremini mushrooms, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, small white bowls with dried basil and dried oregano, three small white bowls filled with strained tomato sauce, a mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoni arranged neatly on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed 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 beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Bulk Italian sausage: Provides hearty, rich flavor—sweet or hot works depending on your heat preference.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness when sautéed and builds depth.
Garlic: Essential for that signature pizza aroma and taste.
Green bell pepper: Brings a gentle crunch and fresh color.
Cremini mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they add a savory punch.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Adds warmth and a little kick—adjust dosages to your palate.
Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that give you all those authentic flavors.
Strained tomatoes (or tomato sauce): The cohesive, tangy base for the sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey and melty—this cheese is the crowning glory of the casserole.
Sliced pepperoni: Pepperoni delivers that nostalgic pizza flavor and a touch of spice.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve adjusted it based on what we love or what’s on hand, and it never disappoints.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the green bell pepper for roasted red peppers for a smokier hint—my kids adore the twist.
Meat options: Feel free to use a spicy Italian sausage if you want a bit more heat or even a turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Vegetarian version: Replace the sausage with chopped eggplant or zucchini and double down on the mushrooms for meaty texture.
Cheese swap: Mixing mozzarella with a little parmesan or provolone gives it a richer finish in my experience.

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

Step 1: Get your pasta perfect

Start by boiling your fusilli pasta in salted water just until it’s al dente. This is important because it’ll continue cooking in the casserole, and nobody likes mushy pasta. Once cooked, drain well and set it aside—draining thoroughly here prevents a soggy bake.

Step 2: Brown your sausage and veggies

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet and brown your Italian sausage, breaking it into nice, small pieces. After it’s cooked through, toss in diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until the onions soften and the veggies smell fragrant. This step layers your flavor base and makes the sauce rich and hearty.

Step 3: Simmer your sauce

Sprinkle in salt, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano, then stir everything with your strained tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld—about three to four minutes should do it. When your kitchen fills with that classic Italian aroma, you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Mix and layer your casserole

Pour the savory meat sauce onto your cooked pasta, toss in half the pepperoni, and mix it all up. Now, it's time to layer: half the pasta mix goes into your prepared baking dish, then half the shredded mozzarella. Add the rest of the pasta, top with the remaining cheese, and sprinkle the leftover pepperoni on top for that irresistible final touch.

Step 5: Bake to bubbly perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and starts to beautifully brown. Keep an eye on it in these last minutes so the cheese doesn’t burn—those golden crispy edges are pure magic.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe countless times, and a few tricks really help it shine. These tips come from my kitchen successes and the few mishaps I encountered—helping you skip straight to deliciousness.

Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key because it will absorb more sauce and stay perfectly textured after baking.
Drain excess fat if needed: Sometimes sausage releases a lot of grease, so I spoon out extra to avoid a greasy casserole.
Use fresh herbs when possible: I find that fresh basil and oregano really brighten up the dish—just add them at the end of simmering.
Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 10 minutes so it firms up, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe

cheesy Italian sausage casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle chopped fresh basil or some red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and subtle freshness. A few grinds of black pepper add just the right bite right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another favorite of mine—it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve assembled this in individual ramekins for an elegant, single-serve presentation. Guests love how the melted cheese bubbles up in its own little dish, plus it looks impressive without a lot of fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully and tastes nearly as good as fresh—sometimes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe dishes, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the texture and crisp up the cheese again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be as nice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What kind of Italian sausage should I use?

I usually go for bulk sweet Italian sausage because it balances nicely with the other flavors, but hot Italian sausage works great if you want a bit of heat. Either will result in a tasty casserole.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli’s shape helps hold the sauce well, penne, rigatoni, or rotini will work equally well. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the pasta is al dente before baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the Italian sausage and substitute sautéed vegetables like eggplant or extra mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian casserole. You can also add plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Italian Sausage Pizza Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both nostalgic and so dependable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want dinner on the table without fuss, it delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s like pizza and pasta had the best possible baby, and you get to enjoy every bite.