Easy pizza casserole is one of those dinners that checks every box cheesy, saucy, filling, and ready with almost zero effort. If your family loves pizza night, this baked casserole version takes all those familiar flavors and turns them into a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that practically makes itself.
There is something about the smell of melting mozzarella and bubbling pizza sauce that pulls everyone into the kitchen without being asked. I first made this on a busy Tuesday when takeout felt too expensive and frozen pizza felt too boring. The biscuits puffed up golden, the cheese pulled into long stretchy ribbons, and every single person at the table asked for seconds. That was the moment this recipe earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Easy Pizza Casserole
I always keep these ingredients stocked because they are all pantry and fridge staples that come together fast. My go-to choice for biscuits is regular buttermilk style since they bake up soft in the center with a golden top that holds everything together well.
- 2 (16 oz) cans buttermilk biscuits (cut into sixths using scissors)
- 1 (7 oz) package pepperoni (cut into quarters) I usually go with classic-style pepperoni for the best flavor payoff
- 3 to 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Pro tip: shredding from a block gives you a better melt than pre-shredded bags
- 2 (16 oz) jars pizza sauce, divided In my experience, a thicker sauce holds up better during the long bake without making the biscuits soggy
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, divided into two equal portions
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated I recommend grating it fresh for a sharper, more savory finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through all the steps before you start so the layering process feels easy and intuitive. In my experience, the key to a fully cooked center is keeping the foil on for most of the bake and only uncovering at the end to brown the top.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish generously with nonstick spray, making sure to coat the sides.
Step 2: Open the first can of biscuits and use scissors to cut each biscuit into sixths. Cutting them small helps the dough cook through evenly in a deep dish. Layer the pieces across the bottom of the prepared dish.
Step 3: Take half the pepperoni package and cut each slice into quarters using scissors. Spread them evenly over the biscuit layer so every bite gets some.
Step 4: Add 1 and a half cups of shredded mozzarella over the pepperoni. Pour one full jar of pizza sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with half a tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Repeat the layers with the second can of cut biscuits, the remaining cut pepperoni, and half of the second jar of pizza sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining half tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Do not use the rest of the second jar yet — that gets saved for serving.
Step 6: Top everything with 1 to 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Grate 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the top for a savory, slightly crispy finish.
Step 7: Spray a sheet of foil with nonstick spray on the underside and cover the dish tightly, sprayed side down. Set the casserole dish on a large baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake covered at 350 degrees F for 60 minutes.
Step 8: Uncover and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Test the biscuits in the center with a toothpick or fork. If it comes out clean, you are done. If the center still feels doughy, cover the dish again and return to the oven in 5-minute increments until fully cooked through. Serve immediately with the remaining pizza sauce warmed in the microwave.
What to Serve with Easy Pizza Casserole
This casserole is rich and hearty on its own, so the best sides bring a fresh or light contrast to balance all that cheesy goodness.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp romaine or garden salad with Italian dressing cuts right through the richness and adds a fresh crunch the casserole does not have on its own. It is the easiest pairing and makes the meal feel complete.
Easy Stromboli: If you are feeding a crowd that cannot get enough of Italian-style baked flavors, a simple stromboli on the side makes this feel like a full pizza night spread.
Green Bean Casserole: A classic baked side that fits right in with the comfort food theme. The creamy texture and savory flavor pair naturally with the pizza casserole without competing with it.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A warm bowl on the side is a great option on cold nights. The cheesy broth and tender broccoli complement the saucy casserole without doubling up on heaviness.
Homemade Tomato Soup: Serve a small cup alongside for dipping or sipping. The bright tomato flavor echoes the pizza sauce in the casserole and adds a cozy, rounded-out meal.
BLT Pasta Salad: The cool, crisp texture of this salad is a great contrast to a hot, bubbly casserole. It adds freshness and a little smokiness from the bacon that works really well here.
Cheeseburger Soup: A hearty soup option for extra hungry households. It rounds out the dinner spread without doubling the effort.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftover easy pizza casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The biscuits will absorb some of the sauce overnight, which actually makes leftovers taste deeper and more flavorful the next day.
To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 60-second intervals until warmed through. For a crispier top, reheat in the oven at 325 degrees F, covered with foil for about 15 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes. I recommend warming the reserved pizza sauce separately in a small saucepan or microwave to serve on the side.
This casserole also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you enjoy making baked casseroles ahead, you might also love this Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole or this cozy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake for your next meal prep session.
FAQs
Can I customize the toppings in this pizza casserole?
Yes. You can swap pepperoni for Italian sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives. Use whatever pizza toppings your family already loves and the recipe works the same way.
What if my biscuits are still doughy in the center after the suggested bake time?
Cover the dish with foil again and return it to the oven in 5-minute increments. Every oven runs a little differently, and a deep casserole dish can take extra time. A clean toothpick in the very center is your best test before pulling it out.
Can I make this easy pizza casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it unbaked. Add 10 to 15 extra minutes to the covered bake time since it will go into the oven cold.
Easy Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish generously with nonstick spray, including the sides.
- Open the first can of biscuits and use scissors to cut each biscuit into sixths. Layer the pieces across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Take half the pepperoni package and cut each slice into quarters using scissors. Spread evenly over the biscuit layer.
- Add 1 and a half cups of shredded mozzarella over the pepperoni. Pour one full jar of pizza sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with half a tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
- Add the second can of cut biscuits on top, followed by the remaining cut pepperoni and half of the second jar of pizza sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining half tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Reserve the rest of the second jar for serving.
- Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top. Grate 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Spray a sheet of foil with nonstick spray on the underside and cover the dish tightly, sprayed side down. Place the casserole dish on a large baking sheet to catch overflow. Bake covered at 350 degrees F for 60 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Test biscuits in the center with a toothpick. If not fully cooked, cover and return to oven in 5-minute increments until done.
- Serve immediately with the remaining pizza sauce warmed in the microwave.
