How to Make a Delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty and savory dish that combines all the beloved flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza with the comfort and ease of a casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd, satisfying hearty appetites, or simply indulging in a love for all things meat and cheese, this casserole is a surefire hit. Packed with a variety of meats, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, all layered with pasta instead of pizza dough, it offers a delicious twist on traditional pizza. Whether for a casual family dinner, game day gathering, or potluck, this casserole brings the pizzeria experience home in a most satisfying way.

 

 

 

Why You’ll Love Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

  • Hearty and Filling: Loaded with meats and cheese, it’s a satisfying meal all on its own.
  • Flavors of Your Favorite Pizza: Enjoy the classic flavors of a meat lovers pizza in a novel casserole form.
  • Easy to Make: Simple preparation and common ingredients make this dish accessible to cooks of any skill level.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as great the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

Ingredients Notes

  • Pasta: Use a sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti that can hold up to the sauce and toppings.
  • Meats: A combination of cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, and ground beef or turkey. Feel free to add bacon or ham for extra meatiness.
  • Cheese: Mozzarella for that classic pizza stretch, and Parmesan for a flavor boost.
  • Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce ties all the components together with rich tomato flavor.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (optional) enhance the casserole with classic pizza flavors.

Recipe Steps

  1. Precook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.
  2. Brown the Meats: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, browned meats, half of the pepperoni slices, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  4. Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta and meat mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layers.
  5. Add Final Toppings: Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for a pizza-like appearance. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven until bubbly. Remove foil and bake for a few more minutes to brown the cheese.
  7. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

 

Print
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How to Make a Delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 16 oz (450g), uncooked (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
  • Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
  • Italian sausage: 1/2 lb (225g), casings removed
  • Pepperoni slices: 1 cup, chopped (reserve some for topping)
  • Ham: 1/2 cup, diced
  • Bacon: 1/2 cup, cooked and crumbled
  • Pizza sauce: 24 oz (680g) jar
  • Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
  • Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
  • Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced (optional)
  • Black olives: 1/2 cup, sliced (optional)
  • Olive oil: for sautéing
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the Meats:
    • In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook until the meats are browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
    • Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Add the chopped pepperoni, diced ham, and cooked bacon. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Combine:
    • In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the pizza sauce. Add the meat mixture and sliced mushrooms and black olives if using. Toss to combine everything well.
  5. Layer the Casserole:
    • Spread half of the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
    • Add the remaining pasta and meat mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and arrange some pepperoni slices on top.
  6. Bake:
    • Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  7. Serve:
    • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
  • Author: Maria

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