20-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Skillet Casserole

Introduction

If you crave the bold flavors of pepperoni pizza but want a fast, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup, this 20-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Skillet Casserole is your new weeknight hero. It delivers the comfort of a classic pizza in casserole form, all in one pan and ready in a fraction of the time. With gooey cheese, savory sauce, and crispy pepperoni, this one-dish wonder promises all the satisfying flavors of pizza—no takeout required.

Why You’ll Love This 20-Minute Skillet Casserole

What sets this recipe apart is its irresistible combination of convenience and taste. With just a few simple steps and staple pantry ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, bubbly casserole that rivals your favorite pizzeria. The skillet method lets you brown, simmer, and broil all in the same pan for maximum simplicity and minimal dishwashing—perfect for busy weeknights or quick family dinners.

Tips for the Best Skillet Casserole Texture

For the best results, use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet to get perfectly crisped edges and a bubbly, golden cheese topping. Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the sauce builds flavor depth, while a quick broil at the end mimics the irresistible “baked” finish of classic pizza. Cutting pepperoni into quarters helps distribute punchy, spicy bites throughout the casserole.

Quick Assembly with Versatile Toppings

Just as with traditional pizza, you can personalize this casserole with your favorite additions: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked ground sausage. Layering the cheese and pepperoni ensures every bite is flavorful and melty—use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra stretch and richness. Top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for added flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot straight from the skillet, garnished with chopped parsley. Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies to round out your meal. This casserole is filling on its own but also makes great leftovers—just reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, each providing around 400-450 calories (depending on cheese and pepperoni amounts). With a balance of protein, carbs, and classic pizza flavors, it’s a satisfying main course.

20-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Skillet Casserole (Recap)

This skillet casserole brings all the indulgence of pepperoni pizza to your dinner table in just 20 minutes, making it an unbeatable option for those seeking bold flavor and convenience.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Boil pasta in a large pot for 6-7 minutes, just until shy of al dente (it will finish cooking in the skillet). Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper; cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add pizza (or marinara) sauce and water. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in drained pasta and half of the pepperoni (reserve some to top). Mix in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and all the provolone cheese. Stir gently to combine into a cohesive mixture.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and reserved pepperoni. Optional: sprinkle any extra toppings (mushrooms, peppers, or olives).
6. Turn the oven broiler on high. Place skillet (handle protected!) under the broiler for 2-4 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and spotted golden brown.
7. Garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot, right from the skillet.

Weekly Meal Planning

This casserole recipe is a true asset for weekly meal prep—doubles easily and reheats exceptionally well. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan to generate smart shopping lists that gather all ingredients across your weekly menu.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient amounts for multiple meals
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery section for speedy shopping
• Eliminates duplicate grocery items
• Ensures all ingredients are accounted for—no forgotten pasta or cheese!
• Helps balance meals and reduce kitchen stress during a busy week

Pro tip: When planning multiple recipes for the week, use CookifyAI to see overlapping ingredients—saving you time, reducing food waste, and keeping your meal routine exciting and organized.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes