Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Hungry Souls

Bubbling with cheesy goodness and packed with hearty meat lovers pizza casserole flavors, this dish promises a delightful twist on classic pizza night.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together in a comforting bake that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Pepperoni, sausage, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Each forkful delivers the perfect balance of crispy edges and gooey center.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Bold and robust, this casserole brings the pizzeria right to your dining table.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that turns ordinary dinner into an unforgettable feast.

What Goes Into Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta that catches sauce perfectly, choose a sturdy variety that holds up well during baking.
• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that traps meat sauce beautifully, select high-quality durum wheat pasta.

• Ground Beef: Rich and flavorful meat base that provides substantial texture, select lean cuts for less grease.
• Italian Sausage: Adds intense spicy and herbal notes, choose fresh sausage from reliable butcher.
• Pepperoni: Brings zesty, spicy punch and crispy texture, opt for thinly sliced premium pepperoni.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that binds ingredients, select robust, well-seasoned tomato sauce.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to meat mixture, choose fresh yellow or white onions.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity, select firm, plump garlic cloves without sprouting.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty cheese that creates irresistible stretch, select freshly shredded for best melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity, choose authentic aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Bright, fresh herb garnish that elevates overall flavor, select vibrant, crisp herbs.

Tools To Prep Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Large Skillet: Essential for browning meats and creating delicious sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering pasta and meat mixture.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Spoon or Spatula: Great for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping onions, garlic, and pepperoni.
• Measuring Cups: Helps ensure accurate cheese and ingredient amounts.

Steps To Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Pasta Foundation

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

• Meaty Magic

In a sizzling skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into delicious crumbles. Toss in diced onions and garlic, letting them dance and release their aromatic charm. Introduce pepperoni and marinara sauce, seasoning with Italian herbs to create a flavor explosion.

• Cheesy Assembly

Combine the pasta and meat sauce in the baking dish, creating a hearty base. Shower the mixture with mozzarella cheese, adding a playful layer of pepperoni slices if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Sprinkle Parmesan for that final touch of cheesy goodness.

• Baking Brilliance

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. For an extra crispy top, give it a quick broil, but keep a watchful eye to prevent burning.

• Delicious Finale

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to mingle. Serve up this irresistible comfort food and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Helpful Tips For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pizza Pasta Power Hack: Use pre-cooked ground meat to slash cooking time by 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you're craving something delicious and quick.
• Veggie-Friendly Twist: Swap meat with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish without dietary restrictions holding them back.
• Spice Level Control: For heat lovers, add red pepper flakes or swap regular pepperoni with spicy pepperoni to kick up the flavor intensity. For milder palates, reduce or eliminate the spicy elements while maintaining the rich, comforting taste.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it directly in the oven, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time for a stress-free meal that tastes freshly prepared.

Best Way To Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pizza Party Platter: Slice the casserole into generous portions and arrange on a large wooden board with extra pepperoni slices, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan on the side for a fun, interactive serving experience.
• Hearty Side Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add a fresh contrast to the casserole.
• Dipping Delight: Serve with warm garlic bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra layer of indulgence for meat lovers.
• Lunch Box Upgrade: Pack cold leftovers in meal prep containers for a tasty next-day lunch that will make coworkers and classmates jealous of your delicious meal.

Storage Tips For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help ingredients set and make cutting easier.
• Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat entire dish in oven at 350F (175C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, restoring original delicious taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole delivers classic Italian-American comfort in one pan. Layered pepperoni, sausage, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal for family dinner gatherings when you crave something filling and delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) lean ground beef
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
• 12 oz (340 g) rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Additional pepperoni slices for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain completely, setting the stage for the hearty casserole.
3. Meat Medley: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking down the meat into rich, caramelized fragments. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence.
4. Sauce Symphony: Introduce chopped pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Simmer the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and intensify into a robust base.
5. Layering Magic: Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients. Strategically layer mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices across the surface.
6. Cheese Crown: Generously sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the casserole, creating a golden, promising top layer that will transform during baking.
7. Baking Brilliance: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese bubbles and develops a slightly crisp texture. For an extra golden finish, carefully broil the casserole, watching to prevent burning.
8. Finishing Flourish: Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle and intensify. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, final touch before serving hot.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose al dente pasta to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a firm and satisfying texture.
• Meat Moisture Management: Drain excess fat from ground beef and sausage to prevent a greasy final dish and maintain clean, rich flavors.
• Cheese Layering Strategy: Distribute cheese evenly for consistent melting and optimal coverage, preventing dry or overly crispy sections.
• Herb Enhancement: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and introduce a fresh, aromatic element.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg