Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving an ultra-comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings all the pepperoni-laden, cheesy goodness of your favorite pizzeria right to your dining table, you have to try this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. It’s a dazzling mashup of saucy penne pasta, hearty Italian sausage, ground beef, crisp bacon, and loads of melted cheese, all layered up and baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a big family gathering, this casserole promises to satisfy even the hungriest appetites and becomes an instant favorite with everyone from kids to adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes where every ingredient feels absolutely essential. These simple staples build rich, meaty flavors, plenty of gooey texture, and a vibrant, mouthwatering color that will have everyone hurrying to the table.
- Penne Pasta: A sturdy pasta that holds up beautifully to all that rich, meaty sauce—make sure it’s cooked just to al dente for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: Adds depth and helps soften the onion and garlic for a flavor foundation.
- Ground Beef: Provides hearty, beefy flavor and plenty of protein. Choose lean beef to keep things from getting greasy.
- Italian Sausage: Brings bold, herby character—mild or spicy, depending on your family’s taste!
- Chopped Pepperoni: Infuses the casserole with classic pizza flair and a hint of smokiness.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Adds irresistible crunch and a hit of savory, salty flavor in every bite.
- Onion: Sautéed until sweet and tender, it weaves lots of aromatic flavor into the sauce.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves make the whole kitchen smell heavenly.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce: The rich, tomatoey backbone that brings the whole dish together—pick your favorite brand or make your own.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that pulls together all those cozy pizza shop flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Sprinkle in if you like a gentle kick of heat.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For creamy, gooey melt and that classic pizza topping experience.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy punch and beautiful color to the melty cheese blend.
- Sliced Pepperoni for Topping: Crisp up on top during baking and create an irresistible “pizza” finish.
- Chopped Parsley for Garnish (optional): Lively green color and a fresh lift to balance out all the meat and cheese.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Boil and Prep the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your penne just until al dente. Don’t overcook—it will continue softening while baking! Drain it well and set aside to keep things moving smoothly once the hearty meat sauce is done.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat up olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté your diced onion for a couple minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant, then toss in the garlic just long enough for everything to smell absolutely amazing (about a minute).
Step 3: Brown the Meats
Add in the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with your spatula or a sturdy spoon as they sizzle. Cook until you see no more pink and everything starts getting deliciously browned. This mix forms the hearty, indulgent base of your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Once your meats are cooked, add in the chopped pepperoni, bacon, marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for about five minutes—this brings all the flavors together in one saucy, savory mixture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained pasta with the rich meat sauce. Now comes the best part: stir in 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and all the shredded cheddar cheese. This guarantees every forkful is loaded with melty, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle over the rest of your mozzarella and artfully arrange sliced pepperoni on top—this is what makes your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole look (and taste!) just like pizza. Bake in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
After taking the bubbling casserole out of the oven, let it rest for about five minutes so it slices beautifully. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like a pop of fresh color, then serve piping hot!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley doesn’t just add color—it gives a bright, fresh finish that cuts through all the melty cheese and savory meats. For extra zing, consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dusting of crushed red pepper.
Side Dishes
A big green salad is always a hit, offering a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. Garlic bread or breadsticks make perfect companions, especially for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or bell peppers are another colorful, nutritious addition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re having guests, try baking the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings! You can also layer in extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for bonus color and nutrition. If you have leftovers, cut into squares and stash in lunchboxes—they reheat perfectly and taste just as amazing the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to airtight containers. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for 3 to 4 days—making this a great meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole freezes like a dream! Assemble right up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, or bake straight from frozen (just add extra time and keep it covered with foil until heated through).
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake leftovers in a 350°F oven (covered for the first 10 minutes to prevent drying out), then uncovered until bubbly. Individual servings can also be microwaved for a couple of minutes until piping hot. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top if you like things extra melty.
FAQs
Can I make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, store it in the fridge (covered), and bake it right before serving. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for entertaining or busy weeknights.
What other meats can I use?
Feel free to swap in turkey sausage, ground chicken, or even diced ham for a lighter twist. Just keep the portions about the same and adjust seasoning as needed.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or even spinach can be mixed into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients without taking anything away from that classic Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole vibe.
Is this casserole spicy?
The tiny kick comes mainly from optional red pepper flakes and spicy sausage. If you’re feeding spice-sensitive folks or kids, just leave out the flakes and use mild sausage.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Be sure not to overbake, and add a touch of extra sauce if you prefer things extra juicy and saucy. Covering loosely with foil during reheating can also help lock in moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dinner that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and packed with all your favorite pizza flavors, you’ll fall head over heels for this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Every bite is a cheesy, meaty delight—so gather up those ingredients and treat your family (or yourself!) to a hearty helping soon. Don’t be surprised when it disappears in record time!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. A hearty and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious elements of a meat lover’s pizza in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Meat Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheeses and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced pepperoni for topping
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then cook ground beef and Italian sausage. Add pepperoni, bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- This casserole freezes well—just assemble, cover, and freeze before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
