If you’ve been longing for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that wraps up all the magic of pizza night and the coziest casserole in one, let me introduce you to Mama’s Pizza Casserole. This recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights, casual weekends, or any moment you want to bring everyone around the dinner table with smiles. With gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and saucy noodles layered together, it’s impossible not to fall head over heels for this easy, kid-friendly favorite—Mama’s Pizza Casserole deserves a home in every family’s rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about this recipe is how simple and flexible the ingredients are—each one lends its own special charm, from savory ground beef to melty cheese and that unmistakable pizza flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make Mama’s Pizza Casserole shine.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Rich, hearty, and flavorful—it’s the base that makes every bite satisfying.
- Small onion, chopped (1): This brings natural sweetness and a welcome depth to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds a little punch and irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen when you sauté it.
- Pizza sauce (15-ounce can): The heart of that classic pizza flavor—grab your favorite brand for best results.
- Tomato sauce (8-ounce can): Helps mellow and thicken the casserole’s saucy layer.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Gives the dish that unmistakable herby kick—dried oregano, basil, and thyme all in one.
- Egg noodles, uncooked (2 cups): Their tender texture soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The melty, stringy cheese that pulls everything together—literally!
- Pepperoni slices (1 cup): For that classic pizza taste and a crowd-pleasing boost of flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top for savory, golden crispiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these at the end so every bite is perfectly seasoned for your crowd.
- Optional toppings (bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives): Stir in your favorites to customize like your best-loved pizza.
How to Make Mama’s Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating your largest skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté everything until the beef is completely browned and the onion turns soft and sweet. Take a minute to drain off any extra grease—this keeps the casserole delicious but not too heavy!
Step 2: Create the Saucy Base
Once the beef mixture is ready, stir in the pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and a generous teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This is the moment when all those classic aromas start wafting through your kitchen! Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, just enough to blend all those beautiful flavors together.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
While your sauce simmers, get your egg noodles boiling according to the package instructions—make sure you keep them al dente so they hold up in the casserole. Drain thoroughly and set aside. The noodles are like little flavor sponges, so you want them ready for the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Now it’s time to mix: toss those hot noodles into a big mixing bowl and pour in the beef and pizza sauce blend. Give it a good stir to make sure every noodle is coated. Don’t forget to season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, tasting as you go for just the right balance.
Step 5: Layer and Top Mama’s Pizza Casserole
Spoon half of the saucy noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle over half of your shredded mozzarella and neatly arrange half your pepperoni slices on top. Repeat with the remaining noodle mixture, the rest of the mozzarella, and the last of the pepperoni. Finish strong with a sprinkle of Parmesan for that irresistible golden finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Slide the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly at the edges, piping hot all the way through, and the cheese topping beautifully melted and lightly golden. Let it sit for five minutes before slicing—hardest part of the process, I know!
How to Serve Mama’s Pizza Casserole

Garnishes
For a fresh, pizzeria-style finish, scatter some chopped fresh basil, snipped parsley, or just-cracked black pepper over your bubbling casserole right before serving. A little sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
Mama’s Pizza Casserole is super hearty, so a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette fits perfectly alongside. A basket of warm garlic bread, breadsticks, or even a handful of crisp baby carrots can turn this into a well-balanced family feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Mama’s Pizza Casserole in individual ramekins for a fun twist on pizza night or ladled into shallow bowls for the ultimate comfort food moment. Add little bowls of extra toppings—like sliced olives, chili flakes, or diced peppers—so everyone at the table can dress up their slice just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or scoop portions into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days—trust me, it makes a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
Mama’s Pizza Casserole freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then double wrap it (foil, then plastic wrap, or use a freezer-safe container). It will keep well for up to three months, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks or last-minute dinner guests.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until everything is hot and bubbly again. If the top looks a little dry, add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella before reheating for an extra melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles bring a tender, homey texture, rotini, penne, or even rigatoni would all work nicely—just make sure to cook until al dente so the pasta holds up after baking.
How can I make Mama’s Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat crumble or increase the mix of mushrooms, bell peppers, and black olives for a veggie-packed version that’s every bit as satisfying.
What’s the best way to customize the casserole for picky eaters?
This dish is super forgiving—keep toppings simple for the kids (maybe just cheese and pepperoni), and feel free to add extra veggies or double the cheese for grown-ups. Serve additional chopped toppings on the side so everyone can make it their own.
Can I prepare Mama’s Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole all the way up to baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed (add a couple extra minutes since it’ll be starting out cold).
Does this taste like regular pizza?
It packs all the beloved flavors of classic pizza—saucy, cheesy, pepperoni goodness—but with a cozy, casserole twist thanks to the noodles and oven baking. It’s like pizza and pasta got together and threw the ultimate family party!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Mama’s Pizza Casserole has become a staple in kitchens everywhere—it’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable for pizza lovers and picky eaters alike. Whether you customize with your favorite toppings or follow the recipe to the letter, give it a try and make some delicious dinnertime memories of your own!
Print
Mama’s Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Mama’s Pizza Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines all the delicious flavors of pizza in a convenient casserole form. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this hearty casserole is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can pizza sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Black olives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the noodles: Cook egg noodles until al dente; drain well.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine noodles with beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the mixture in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or vegetarian meat alternative.
- Customize with favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg