Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of this incredible Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole! You might think achieving such deep, satisfying flavor requires hours in the kitchen, but you’d be mistaken. This recipe is designed for ease, bringing all the beloved elements of a meat lover’s pizza into a simple, comforting casserole format that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s a guaranteed hit, combining familiar tastes in a satisfyingly hearty dish. Trust me, the aroma alone filling your kitchen will have everyone asking when dinner is ready. Try this amazing Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole tonight—you won’t believe how simple and utterly delicious it is!

Ingredients

• (1 pound) Ground Beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
• (1 pound) Italian Sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
• (1/2 cup) Chopped Onion
• (2 cloves) Garlic, minced
• (1 teaspoon) Italian Seasoning
• (1/2 teaspoon) Salt (or to taste)
• (1/4 teaspoon) Black Pepper
• (1 jar, 24 ounces) Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce
• (16 ounces) Pasta (Rotini, Penne, or Ziti work best) – Cooked al dente according to package directions.
• (4 ounces) Pepperoni Slices, roughly chopped (plus extra for topping)
• (2 cups) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• (1/2 cup) Grated Parmesan Cheese
• (Optional) 1/2 cup Chopped Bell Pepper (any color)
• (Optional) Red Pepper Flakes to taste for heat

Tips for Success

• Tip: For extra richness and a creamier texture in your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the meat sauce mixture before combining it with the pasta.
• Tip: Always salt your pasta water generously (like the ocean!) – it’s the primary way to season the pasta itself.
• Tip: Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan if possible; they melt much smoother than pre-shredded varieties which often contain anti-caking agents. You can check the USDA Food Composition Database for nutritional details on different cheese types.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in generously salted water according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). It will cook further in the oven, so avoid overcooking. Drain well and set aside.
3. Brown the Meats: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks. Why? Browning develops deep, savory flavors crucial for the base of the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. If you’re interested in meat preparation techniques, understanding things like how different ingredients affect texture can be useful, similar to the science behind why baking soda is used in meatloaf.
4. Drain Fat: Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Leaving a little bit (about a tablespoon) can add flavor, but too much will make the casserole oily.
5. Sauté Aromatics: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and bell pepper, if using) to the meat mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
6. Add Garlic & Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant. Why? Cooking the garlic briefly mellows its raw bite and infuses the meat with its aroma.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the pizza or marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Combine: In a large bowl (or directly in the pot if large enough), combine the cooked and drained pasta, the meat sauce mixture, and the chopped pepperoni. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
9. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta layer.
10. Repeat Layers: Top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Arrange extra pepperoni slices on top, if desired, for that classic pizza look.
11. Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (tent it slightly so it doesn’t stick to the cheese). Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
12. Brown the Top: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
13. Rest: Let the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Why? Resting allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing the cheese from sliding off immediately.

Serving Ideas

Serving your delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is almost as fun as making it! This dish is incredibly hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal. A crisp, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Think mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and maybe some red onion slivers. Alternatively, a classic Caesar salad also pairs beautifully.

For plating, scoop generous portions onto plates, ensuring everyone gets a good mix of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheesy topping. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top adds a touch of color and freshness right before serving. Garlic bread or warm garlic knots are practically essential companions – perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate!

For a vegetable side, consider simple steamed green beans tossed with a little olive oil and lemon juice, or roasted broccoli with a pinch of garlic powder. This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is fantastic for family-style serving right out of the baking dish at the center of the table. If you love hearty, easy casserole meals, you might also enjoy exploring options like this Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven (this helps it cook more evenly). You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, again potentially adding extra baking time.

2. What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Medium-sized pasta shapes with ridges or tubes are ideal for catching the hearty meat sauce. Rotini (corkscrews), penne (tubes), ziti (larger tubes), or even elbow macaroni work very well in a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Avoid long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they don’t incorporate as well into the casserole structure.

3. Can I add other pizza toppings or vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Sliced mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, or even sautéed spinach can be stirred into the meat sauce. Some people enjoy adding cooked bacon crumbles along with the other meats. Just be mindful not to add too many watery vegetables without pre-cooking them, as it could affect the sauce consistency.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. For safe storage, always consult current Food Safety Guidelines. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal, or reheat a larger amount in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Covering it with foil while reheating in the oven helps prevent it from drying out.

5. My casserole seems a bit dry/watery. What went wrong?

If it’s dry, you might have overcooked the pasta initially, used a sauce that was too thick, or baked it uncovered for too long. Ensure pasta is just al dente and consider adding a splash of water or broth to the sauce if it seems overly thick before mixing. If it’s watery, you may not have drained the pasta or the meat fat sufficiently. Ensure both are well-drained. Using a high-quality, thicker pizza or marinara sauce also helps prevent a watery outcome in your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.

6. Can I use different meats in this casserole?

Yes! While this version focuses on beef, sausage, and pepperoni, feel free to swap or add. Cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even ground turkey or chicken can be used as substitutes or additions to tailor the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole to your preference.

Conclusion

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a weeknight lifesaver, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and pure comfort food rolled into one easy dish. It delivers all the robust flavors of your favorite meat-loaded pizza but with the satisfying substance of a pasta bake. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day. The combination of savory meats, tangy sauce, tender pasta, and abundant cheese is truly irresistible. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Pro Tips:

• For extra flavor depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the meat and before adding the onions. Let it cook off for a minute.
• For a crispy topping, mix 1/4 cup of Panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese (about 1/2 cup) into the pasta mixture before layering it in the dish.

Consider variations like adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms and onions beneath the cheese, or using a spicy marinara sauce and hot Italian sausage for a fiery kick. No matter how you serve it, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is destined to become a family favorite.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

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This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole brings all the flavors of your favorite pizza into an easy, hearty bake. Packed with savory meats, rich sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s incredibly simple to make!

• Author: Kiera
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 pound Italian Sausage (casings removed)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 jar (24 ounces) Pizza Sauce or Marinara Sauce
• 16 ounces Pasta (Rotini, Penne, or Ziti), cooked al dente
• 4 ounces Pepperoni Slices, chopped (plus extra for topping)
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Optional: 1/2 cup Chopped Bell Pepper
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
4. Add onion (and bell pepper if using) to the meat and cook until softened.
5. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute more.
6. Pour in pizza sauce and simmer 5-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and chopped pepperoni. Mix well.
8. Layer half the pasta mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheeses, and arrange extra pepperoni on top if desired.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, stir softened cream cheese into the meat sauce. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt. Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: meat lovers pizza casserole, easy pasta bake, hearty family dinner, pizza pasta casserole, comfort food recipes