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Meat Lovers Casserole

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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

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:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
  2. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the diced ham and cooked bacon to the sauce, stirring to combine.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
  3. 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.
  4. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake the Casserole:

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

5. Serve:

  1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. 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.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/meat-lovers-casserole/