Here is a complete, rich, gluten-free Pepperoni Pizza Casserole recipe — including ingredients, substitutions, step-by-step instructions, and tips.
Gluten-Free Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
A cozy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole with all the flavors of pizza—made totally gluten-free!
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Base
12 oz gluten-free pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work best)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional; can omit for vegetarian)
1 jar (24 oz) gluten-free pizza sauce or marinara
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese + Toppings
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
30–40 slices pepperoni (ensure gluten-free; many brands are)
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
1–2 cups cooked veggies (zucchini, spinach, broccoli)
Red pepper flakes for heat
Fresh basil for topping
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook gluten-free pasta 1–2 minutes less than package directions (to prevent mushiness).
Drain, then toss lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the sauce mixture
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic; cook 30 seconds.
(If using meat) Add ground beef/sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in:
pizza/marinara sauce
Italian seasoning
oregano
salt + pepper
Let simmer 3–5 minutes.
3. Combine the casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl or casserole dish, combine:
cooked pasta
sauce mixture
1 cup mozzarella
¼ cup Parmesan
Stir until well mixed.
Spread evenly in a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Add toppings
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan over the casserole.
Layer pepperoni slices across the top.
Add optional toppings (bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, etc.).
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
For crispy pepperoni, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
6. Serve
Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips for Best Results
Slightly undercook gluten-free pasta so it stays firm after baking.
If using marinara instead of pizza sauce, add 1–2 tbsp tomato paste for richer flavor.
To make it dairy-free: use vegan mozzarella and omit Parmesan.
To make it keto/low-carb: use cooked cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
Want variations?
I can give:
Dairy-free version
Veggie-loaded version
Kid-friendly version
Make-ahead / freezer instructions
