We choose this year’s winner of Houston’s Best Pizza.
Best Pizza: Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana
Pizaro’s has been firing up some of Houston’s best pies since 2011, with two locations and three killer styles — authentic Napoletana blistered at 900 degrees, foldable New York, and cheesy, twice-baked Detroit. Each pie proves why this spot’s a certified Houston classic, but the team still keeps things fresh with inventive specials like the Mortadella & Stracciatella sandwich and the Oh My Goud pie, loaded with butternut squash and crispy prosciutto. Regulars swear by the Sweet Pea and the fiery Vesuvius, a ghost pepper-laced masterpiece tamed by housemade ricotta.
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This delicious and simple pizza casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Made with layers of pasta, pizza sauce, pepperoni, cheese, and your choice of toppings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
This is an emergency post. We’ve had a pizza casserole recipe on the blog since it first began, almost 17 years ago. Until now. I went to pull it up for dinner one night a few weeks ago and it was gone. Where did the pizza casserole recipe disappear to?!
I still have no idea what happened, but thankfully I still had the recipe with one change, we ONLY use our homemade pizza sauce. You’ll have to trust me on this one, it totally transforms the dish from good to amazing.
Every time I ask my kids for dinner ideas, they always say pizza…every single time. I love pizza as much as the next person (four cheese margherita pizza, pizzeria pizza dough, pesto pepperoni and sausage pizza), but homemade pizza takes time and planning ahead. Let me be honest, sometimes I’m not that on the ball. Pizza pasta casserole to the recipe! It tastes like you are eating pizza but it’s on the table from start to finish in less than an hour.
What is Needed to Make Pizza Casserole?
If you’re looking for a delicious and quick weeknight meal, this easy pizza casserole dinner is a recipe that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time! Here is everything you’ll need…
Ground Beef: We used 85/15 which I recommend for the best flavor.
PRO TIP: You can use just ground beef or just sausage, but I found that the combination of both meats provided a depth of flavor that was so tasty. Ground beef is also so kid-friendly!
Mild Italian Sausage: Adds that signature meat lovers pizza flavor.
Homemade Pizza Sauce: You really have to try this homemade pizza sauce in this recipe, but if you don’t have the time, buy a good quality store-bought sauce.
Pasta: We use rigatoni but any pasta will work fine. I’d recommend a big hearty noodle for the best texture.
Mozzarella: The best melty cheese for pizza.
Pepperoni: any brand of pre-sliced pepperoni works great
Parmesan Cheese: adds bold pizza flavor
Sliced Black Olives: totally optional but I love olives so they are a must for me
Garlic Parsley Seasoning: We like Johnny’s Garlic Spread.
Italian Seasoning: boosts those Italian flavors
Fresh Parsley: I like to sprinkle it over the top after it bakes to add a pop of freshness.
The measurements and details for all the ingredients can be found down below in the recipe card.
How to Make Pizza Casserole
This casserole is like a meat lover’s pizzas but in a casserole form. It makes having pizza for dinner so easy! Here are the steps for making this baked pasta casserole:
Prep: Preheat oven to 350℉.
Brown the Ground Meats: Place a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef and sausage. Drain any extra grease or juice. Add the pizza sauce and stir to combine.
Make the Pasta: Boil the pasta following the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain the pasta and stir it into the meat and sauce mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the pasta and meat mixture in a 9×13 casserole dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese and add a layer of pepperonis. Add the rest of the pasta and meat mixture and then the rest of the cheese and another layer of pepperonis.
Toppings: Sprinkle the parmesan and olives over the top and then the two seasonings.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheeses start to brown and get bubbly.
Cool: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with some fresh parsley and serve.
Keep scrolling to the end of the post for the complete recipe card with the instructions. You can save and print the recipe there.
I make a double batch of pizza sauce and freeze in 2-4 freezer bags using our Food Saver. It freezes perfectly and saves me so much time in the long run.
Pizza Casserole Variations
Pizza casserole is just as customizable as pizza is. If you’re a supreme pizza lover, add diced onions, bell peppers and mushrooms to the casserole. Bacon and ham can also be added if you want a true meat lover’s pizza.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
This is a great make ahead recipe! Assemble the casserole completely as written and then cover the casserole dish with foil and keep in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It will keep in the fridge for up to a day or two. Bake as written in the instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes since it’s being baked straight from the fridge.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 5 days. If I’m going to reheat a large portion of the casserole, I like to reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and warm up the casserole until heated through.
This pizza casserole makes a great lunch option for the next day. If I’m just warming up an individual portion for myself, I’ll just zap it in the microwave. It reheats very well and is so delicious!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Family Friendly: I haven’t met a kid who doesn’t love pizza or pasta. Combine those two into one dish, and you have a winning recipe for the whole family.
Comfort Food: Casseroles are pure comfort! They are warm and inviting and the perfect option for a family dinner.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe is ready in under an hour. It also could be made any time during the day and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to get dinner on the table.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out meats, cheeses, or toppings to create the pizza flavors your family enjoys.
Imagine a cheesy, savory dish that combines the best parts of pizza and pasta. Pizza casserole layers tender pasta, zesty pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and loads of crispy pepperoni, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with pizza flavor in every bite!
More Easy Casserole Recipes:
Watch How to Make Pizza Casserole
Prevent your screen from going dark
Preheat oven to 350℉.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage. Then drain any juices but leave the cooked meat in the skillet.
1/2 lb Ground Beef, 1/2 lb Mild Italian Sausage
Pour in the pizza sauce and stir to combine.
2 Cups Homemade Pizza Sauce
Meanwhile boil pasta according to directions for al dente so that the pasta still has a bit of chew to it. Drain pasta and mix with the sauce.
4 Cups Pasta
Pour half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13 baking dish. Top with half the Mozzarella cheese. Lay half the pepperonis on top.
3 ½ Cups Mozzarella, 6 oz Pepperoni
Next, add the remaining pasta meat sauce, cheese and pepperoni.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and olives on top followed by the garlic parsley seasoning and the Italian seasoning.
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, 2 teaspoons Garlic Parsley Seasoning, Sliced Black Olives, 1-2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remove foil. Bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and brown.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
Have you ever had a pizza quesadilla (or tortilla pizza)? It is such a quick and easy way to enjoy those classic pizza flavors! We have named them “pizza-dillas” in our house!
It’s always the random recipes that turn out the best. We held a quesadilla throw down one Sunday evening and things got a little delicious. At first we had planned to make original quesadillas using anything, but the kids decided to have us all pick a meat then create any kind of quesadilla you want.
I ended up with pepperoni and at first was a little bummed. But it turned out to be the best quesadilla ever!! The secret? Oh my goodness, it’s so random and I don’t even know why it works, but a little lime honey drizzle inside of the quesadilla, wow!!! It’s absolutely delicious!!! The buttery, garlic topping and that touch of salt from the cotija cheese, it’s just so good! Always use vista tortillas, my favorite, and Volpi pepperoni is hands down the best!
We make them in the air fryer which makes them extra crispy and delicious, and dinner is on the table in 10 minutes!
Ingredients for Tortilla Pizzas
The ingredients for pizzadillas are simple with a couple of key items that take the flavor profile to the next level! Here is what you will need:
Flour Tortillas: Our favorite brand is Vista, but you can use whatever flour tortillas your family loves.
Mozzarella: Buy a brick of good quality mozzarella cheese and shred it yourself for the best flavor and melt factor.
Pepperoni: Volpi is the best brand ever. I find it here in Utah at Trader Joe’s and Harmons. If you can’t find Volpi, then ask the deli counter worker for a good quality pepperoni.
Butter: I use unsalted butter just to keep the saltiness down, and it’s used to create the garlic butter spread for the outside of the tortilla pizza.
Johnny’s Garlic Spread: I always buy Johnny’s at Costco, but you can find it at most grocery stores or online. Any garlic seasoning would work to mix with the butter for the garlic butter spread.
Honey: A little drizzle inside of the pizzadilla adds a little touch of sweetness that makes all the other flavors burst. You could use hot honey instead if you want a little heat!
Lime Juice: The acidity combined with the honey is the pop of flavor you never knew you were missing in a pizza!
Cotija Cheese: A little sprinkle on top adds another layer of flavor and salty goodness.
TIP: You could also sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese.
Cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled on top, this adds an herby freshness to the pizza.
Pizza Sauce: You can make your own homemade pizza sauce or buy your favorite store-bought brand.
The measurements for each ingredients can be found by scrolling down to the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Make Pizza-dillas
If you don’t have time to make pizza dough and do the full scale homemade pizza thing, then quesadilla pizza is the way to go! You get all the flavors of pizza with all the time and effort of traditional homemade pizza. Here are the basic steps:
Prep: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Air Fry: Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on one tortilla and top the cheese with pepperoni. Place in the air fryer for 2 minutes.
Create: Stir the butter and Johnny’s Garlic Seasoning together to create the garlic butter.
Drizzle: Remove the pizzadilla from the air fryer and sprinkle with a little more mozzarella and drizzle the honey and lime juice over the whole pizza.
Top: Place another tortilla on top of the pizza and place it back in the air fryer for 2 more minutes. If it doesn’t look crispy and golden, let it cook another minute or two.
Flip: Pull the tortilla pizza out of the air fryer and flip over and stick it back in the air fryer for another couple of minutes to get the other side golden and crispy.
Brush: Remove the pizza quesadilla from the air fryer and brush both sides with the garlic butter.
Sprinkle: Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the top. Slice and serve with a cup of pizza sauce for dipping!
All of these instructions can also be found in the recipe card down below so keep scrolling for the complete recipe. I am also including instructions for making this recipe on the stove top or in the oven below.
Other Toppings
One of the most loveable things about pizza is that you can personalize it with your favorite pizza toppings. You can totally do that with this tortilla pizza recipe. You can add toppings, swap toppings, make it vegetarian, make it a meat lovers, anything you want! Here are some ideas for additional toppings:
Red Onions
Bell Peppers
Mushrooms
Olives
Sausage
Spinach
Ham
Bacon
Tomatoes
Fresh Basil
Can I Make Tortilla Pizzas on the Stove Top?
If you don’t have an air fryer, or you want to cook more than one crispy tortilla pizza at once, you can totally make them on the stove top.
Place a griddle or a large skillet on the stove over medium high heat. Spread the garlic butter over one side of two tortillas. Place one tortilla in the large skillet, butter side down, and then sprinkle mozzarella over the tortilla. Add the pepperoni (and other toppings if adding more). Drizzle the honey and lime juice over the top and another sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Add the other tortilla, butter side up, and let it cook until the cheese is melting and the under side is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip with a spatula and let the other side cook until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and top it with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Slice and serve!
Can I Make a Pizza Quesadilla in the Oven?
Yes! Pizzadillas can also be made in the oven. This is a great option for making 2 or 3 tortilla pizzas at the same time. Set your oven to broil and use a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add the garlic butter to one side of all the tortillas. Place the tortillas butter side down. Sprinkle them all with mozzarella, add the pepperoni, then stick them in the oven to broil for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on them! You don’t want them to burn!
When the cheese has melted, pull the pan out of the oven and drizzle with the lime juice and honey and another sprinkle of cheese. Place the top tortilla on butter side up and stick in the oven for another minute or two until crispy and golden. Pull the pan out and flip the pizzadillas over. Stick them back in the broiler and cook for another minute until the top is crispy and golden.
If the cheese isn’t quite melted yet, change the oven to bake at 350 degrees, lower the oven rack so it’s in one of the bottom slots and let them back until melted and cooked through. Pull the pan out and top the pizzadillas with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Slice and serve!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Pepperoni quesadillas do not store super well. They should be eaten hot and fresh. They will get soggy as they cool and won’t hold up well. If you really need to store leftovers, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container. Reheat in an air fryer or on the stove top.
Pizzadillas are healthier than traditional pizza because you don’t have all the carbs and calories that come with that thick and delicious pizza dough. You also reduce the prep time and baking time when you use flour tortillas instead of dough.
If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner or lunch recipe that satisfies your pizza cravings, then try a pizza quesadilla! They are so simple and delicious, and they only take about 10 minutes to make in the air fryer.
More Quesadilla Recipes to Try:
Servings: 2pizza-dillas
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Cook Time: 5 minutesmins
Total Time: 10 minutesmins
Description
Have you ever had a pizza quesadilla (or tortilla pizza)? It is such a quick and easy way to enjoy those classic pizza flavors! We have named them “pizza-dillas” in our house!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Heat an air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Sprinkle cheese on one tortilla. Top with pepperoni and place in the air fryer for about 2 minutes or until turning golden.
4 Vista Tortillas, 1 1/2 Cups Mozzarella, Volpi Pepperoni
Meanwhile, stir the butter and seasoning together.
Top with another tortilla and place back in the air fryer for 2 minutes. Check to see if it’s golden and crisp on top. Place back in if needed until golden.
4 Vista Tortillas
Remove from the air fryer, then flip over and place back in for another 2 minutes to crisp the bottom.
Remove and brush with a little butter spread then turn it back to the top tortilla and brush heavily with the butter spread. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro. Dip in pizza sauce!
Roll up all your favorite pizza ingredients to create a delicious Stromboli!
Ready in 30 minutes, this Stromboli starts with refrigerated pizza dough and fills it with cheese and meat. It’s all rolled up, baked, and sliced for a perfect bite.
Serve with marinara for dipping, perfect for dinner or for game day!
What is Stromboli?
Stromboli is almost like a rolled-up pizza that’s baked and sliced. It’s different from a calzone which often contains ricotta cheese and is most often folded in half.
You can customize it with your favorite meats and pizza toppings.
Stromboli is easy to make and bake for a quick dinner.
Everyone loves it, perfect for game day snacking or a Friday night dinner.
Ingredients in Stromboli
Crust – In this shortcut version, we start with a roll of store-bought pizza dough. If you have time homemade pizza dough is delicious in this recipe too.
Sauce – Use either marinara sauce or pizza sauce. You can add additional seasonings like oregano or garlic.
Toppings – Add your favorite meats like pepperoni, salami, or ham. I add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese – feel free to sprinkle in some parmesan for flavor.
Vegetables – Add your favorite pizza veggies like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, black olives, or jalapenos. Cook and cool all of the vegetables to remove excess moisture.
How to Make Stromboli
Roll out the pizza dough and top it with sauce, add toppings and cheese per the recipe below.
Roll the stromboli into a log, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden brown.
Slice and serve. Buon appetito!
Got Leftovers?
Keep leftover stromboli in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or air fryer.
Freeze leftover stromboli by wrapping the slices in plastic wrap and then putting them in a zippered bag. They’ll be thawed and ready to eat or reheat by lunchtime!
More Pizza-Inspired Recipes
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Stromboli Recipe
This easy Stromboli recipe starts with refrigerated pizza dough and is loaded with all the classic pizza toppings!
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 25 minutesminutes
Rest Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12×16-inches.
Spread the marinara sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border all around the edges and a 3-inch border at the long side furthest from you.
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella over the marinara sauce, then add the ham, salami, and pepperoni. Finish with the remaining cheese.
Roll up the pizza dough tightly, being careful not to push out the toppings. Stop just before reaching the end.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg, water, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the pizza dough where the edges will meet, then pinch them together.
Place the stromboli, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet with the seal facing down and brush with the egg wash.
Bake for 24-28 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Add your favorite pizza toppings – cook and cool vegetables to remove any excess moisture. Stromboli can be brushed with melted butter or garlic butter in place of oil.
Why choose between burgers and pizza when you can have both!
These pizza burgers start with generously seasoned ground beef & pepperoni patties topped with a cheesy pepperoni pizza topping.
What is a Pizza Burger?
This pizza burger is just like it sounds – a juicy pizza-inspired ground beef patty topped with our favorite pizza toppings.
Customizable! Just like a pizza, you can add in or switch out the ingredients at will!
Kids love pizza burgers! Make a custom topping for each of your little “customers!”
Perfect for making ahead, just form the ground beef with pepperoni mixture into patties and freeze with a layer of wax paper in between.
Ingredients for Pizza Burgers
Ground beef – Lean ground beef is a classic for burgers, but any ground meat will do. Go ahead and substitute ground chicken or turkey for less fat and fewer calories. Use your favorite veggie burger as the foundation for the pizza toppings if preferred!
Mix-ins & Toppings – Try variations with different meats or grated cheeses. Instead of pepperoni, make the patty mix with cooked sausage, onions, mushrooms, bacon crumbles, or diced ham. Grate in some smoked provolone, Gruyere, or feta. For the best homemade flavor, try this amazing pizza sauce recipe!
Bun – Feeling ambitious? Make homemade hamburger buns or try this crusty homemade pizza dough recipe. Or, serve your pizza burgers on your favorite packaged sesame seed buns.
How to Make Pizza Burgers
In a skillet, fry bell peppers with diced pepperoni, then cool (per recipe below).
Mix ground beef with cheese, seasonings, and pepperoni mixture. Form into patties.
Cook patties in a skillet until almost done.
Spread buns with garlic butter and toast under the broiler.
Top patties with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni slices, and place patties on a rack under the broiler to melt.
Place burgers on buns and serve with extra heated pizza sauce for dipping if desired.
Tips for the Best Pizza Burgers
Make them extra cheesy! After toasting the buns, spread them with sauce and extra cheese and pop them under the broiler to melt.
For tender burgers, avoid overcooking or over-mixing. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 160° F.
This is a juicy sandwich! If your homemade buns have an extra chewy crust, spread some melted butter on the top to soften them for easier bites!
Let the flavors meld. After making the ground beef mixture, allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight for the seasonings to fully penetrate and intensify.
Storing Pizza Burgers
Leftover pizza burgers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, cool completely without the cheese or sauce, and layer between sheets of parchment or wax paper for up to 4 months. Reheat in the oven in a foil pack, then broil with the sauce and toppings added.
Pizza-Inspired Perfection
Did you make this Pizza Burger recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
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Pizza Burger
Pizza Burgers are a fun combination of juicy burgers and cheesy pizza, all in one bite!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Author Holly Nilsson
In a medium skillet, cook the pepperoni and green pepper over medium heat until the green pepper is tender, about 4 minutes. Cool completely.
In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and the pepperoni mixture. Form into 4 ½-inch thick patties.
Heat the olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat and add the patties. Cook 4-6 minutes per side or until they reach 150°F. (see notes for other cooking methods)
Meanwhile, heat the pizza sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Turn the broiler on to high. Spoon 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each patty and top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Broil 1-2 minutes or until cheese melts and begins to brown. Rest for 3 minutes or until the beef patties reach 160°F.
Meanwhile, spread garlic butter on the buns and broil 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Place a beef patty on each bun to serve. Warm additional pizza sauce for dipping if desired.
To Prepare on the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Prepare the beef patties as directed and grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Turn the grill off and top with the warmed sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Close the lid of the grill and let the patties rest until the cheese has melted. Chill leftover pizza burgers for 3-4 days in the fridge. Freeze them without cheese or sauce between parchment for up to 4 months. Reheat in the oven, then broil with sauce and toppings.
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