Description
This Meat Lovers Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish packed with layers of ground beef, sausage, bacon, and ham, combined with pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, this casserole is a carnivore’s dream come true!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/2 cup diced bacon, cooked (about 4-5 slices)
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works best)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
- In the same skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced ham and cooked bacon to the sauce, stirring to combine.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Custom Meat Options: Add cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or ground pork for variety.
- Vegetable Addition: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a balanced touch.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 10 minutes to the baking time.