Meat lovers pizza casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a classic meat-laden pizza into a hearty, baked dish. With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and plenty of meaty toppings, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: Loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and more.
- Family-friendly: A dish that kids and adults will devour.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- Ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- Pepperoni slices
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Pizza sauce
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Optional toppings: Sliced black olives, mushrooms, or green bell peppers
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage (or ground beef) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the sauce mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage, pizza sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Layer with half of the pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheeses, and toppings.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Veggie-packed: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Spicy kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- Low-carb option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly and saves time.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti holds up well in casseroles.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
4. Can I use different meats?
Yes, customize with your favorite meats like ham, salami, or shredded chicken.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover with foil for most of the baking time to lock in moisture, removing it only to brown the cheese.
6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the meats and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
7. Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Layer with additional mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for extra cheesiness.
8. Can I skip the diced tomatoes?
Yes, skip them if you prefer a smoother texture, or replace with extra pizza sauce.
9. How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
Cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the casserole, and add some pieces on top for added crunch.
10. What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.
Conclusion
Meat lovers pizza casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. With layers of saucy pasta, melty cheese, and plenty of savory meats, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Customize it to your liking and enjoy the ultimate comfort food! Try it tonight and savor every cheesy, meaty bite!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This casserole layers seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni with pasta and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Casserole:
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Additional pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the chopped pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.
- If desired, arrange additional pepperoni slices on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden-brown top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, to the meat sauce for extra flavor and texture.- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.