Easy Pizza Casserole (without pasta!)
This easy pizza casserole made without pasta is the perfect cozy weeknight dinner. What I love about this One Pan dinner is how it brings all the nostalgic pizza flavors of melty cheese, rich sauce, and Italian herbs but in a lighter, protein-packed casserole thanks to quinoa instead of pasta.
I’ve been making this on busy nights when I want comfort food without the crash. It makes great leftovers, and it’s easy to switch up with different veggies, added protein, or your favorite pizza toppings.
If you like this dish, you should try my Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Zucchini and Eggplant Lasagna (No Noodle), or Unstuffed Peppers Skillet(with Quinoa!).
Why You’ll Love This Dinner
Satisfies that pizza craving in a more nourishing way
No pasta: quinoa keeps it light & protein-rich
One pan: dump and bake pizza casserole
Easily customizable with what’s in your fridge
What do you need:
- Quinoa – a high-protein base that holds up well in casseroles
- Turkey Sausage- adds a great flavor and makes it filling
- Vegetables: Zucchini, Onion, and Bell Pepper
- Marinara sauce – gives that rich, tomatoey pizza flavor
- Broth – adds moisture and depth (use veggie, chicken, or bone broth)
- Tomato paste – amps up the umami
- Italian spices – oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes
- Mozzarella or Italian cheese blend – melty, gooey topping to bring it all together
Substitutions and Variations
- Use rice if you don’t have quinoa
- Stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Make it dairy-free with your favorite plant-based cheese
How to make:
It could not be easier to make this pizza casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook turkey sausage in a pan and set aside.
Step 2:
In a large casserole dish, combine uncooked quinoa, diced veggie mixture, broth and sauces. Stir until well coated.
Step 3:
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 4:
Remove foil, cover with cheese and bake for 5 more minutes.
Tips & Notes
- For crispy cheese edges, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Use a deeper baking dish if adding extra veggies or protein.
- Add fresh basil or red pepper flakes before serving for a little kick.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this?
Definitely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a green salad or garlic roasted broccoli
- Top with sliced black olives or fresh basil
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots for a full pizza night feel
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Tips:
Add a splash of broth or sauce before reheating to keep it moist.
Freezer Instructions
1. Cool completely.
Never freeze hot food. Let it cool completely first (you can even refrigerate it overnight). Before sealing, wipe away any condensation inside the container to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Portion it for real life.
Freeze the amount you'll actually use. If your family won't eat a whole casserole in one night, divide it into smaller portions instead. Smaller portions also thaw much faster.
3. Leave a little room.
Don't fill containers all the way to the top, foods expand slightly as they freeze.
4. Label everything.
Write the recipe name and the date on each container so you know exactly what's waiting in your freezer.
5. Freeze.
I love freezing meals in 2-cup silicone freezer cubes. They're the perfect size for lunches or small dinners, stack beautifully, and thaw much faster than one giant frozen block.
How to Reheat
For best results, transfer your meal to the refrigerator the night before.
If it's still a little frozen in the center, microwave on the Defrost setting in 5-minute intervals until it can be broken apart easily.
Then simply reheat like you would any leftovers:
- Bake casseroles in the oven.
- Warm soups, pasta, and skillet meals on the stovetop.
- Use the microwave for quick meals.
- The air fryer works great for foods that should stay crispy.
My favorite freezer rule: Reheat food the same way you originally cooked it whenever possible. It almost always gives you the best texture.
Storage Tip: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy freezer meals within about 3 months.
I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
If you loved this recipe, please leave a review or a star rating below
Easy Pizza Casserole without Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey sausage
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup diced green bell peppers
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 Fahrenheit.
- In a pan, cook turkey sausage over medium heat until browned and set aside.
- In a large casserole dish, spread quinoa on the bottom and then top with cooked sausage and diced vegetables.
- In a large mixing glass, stir together marinara, tomato paste, broth, and seasoning and pour over chopped vegetables.
- Stir liquid and quinoa mixture to make sure evenly distributed.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, stir again, and bake for 10 more minutes or until quinoa has absorbed liquid.
- Cover casserole with the shredded cheese and bake for about 4 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Top with pepperoni slices and serve!
Great recipe!