If you’re craving ultimate comfort food with the spirit of a loaded pizza and the heartiness of a baked pasta, the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is about to become your favorite weeknight dinner. This dish layers all the best parts of your favorite pizzeria pie—savory beef, robust Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, fragrant garlic, tender pasta, bubbling mozzarella, and a touch of herbs—into one incredibly satisfying, cheese-pull-packed casserole. It’s big enough to feed a hungry crowd, or meal-prep for busy days, and best of all, every bite delivers that meaty, melty, classic pizza flavor in a way that feels just a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One thing I absolutely love about this recipe is how it uses staple, straightforward ingredients you might already have on hand. Each element brings something important to the table—whether it’s the smoky crunch of bacon or the gooey, golden layer of cheese. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Ground Beef: Provides the rich, hearty foundation for your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.
- Italian Sausage (casings removed): Spices up the flavor profile with hints of fennel and herbs.
- Pepperoni Slices (chopped): Add unmistakable pizza flair and a little spicy zing.
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Supplies irresistible smoky crunch in every bite.
- Small Onion (diced): Enhances the savory base, softens beautifully in the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers that classic aromatic punch we all crave in Italian-inspired dishes.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce (24-ounce jar): Binds the casserole together with bright, tangy tomato flavor.
- Uncooked Pasta (8 ounces, penne or rotini): Acts as the hearty carrier for all that meaty goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into gooey perfection right on top and throughout the casserole.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish and perfect browning capability.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Rounds out every bite with herbaceous depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness at the end.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your pasta—penne or rotini both catch sauce and cheese so well! Cook until just al dente, since the noodles will continue soaking up flavors in the oven. Drain and set aside but don’t rinse, letting the pasta’s surface stay starchy enough to cling to all that saucy, cheesy, meaty goodness.
Step 2: Sizzle the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Use your spoon to break them up so you have bite-size pieces throughout the casserole. Once they’re around halfway browned, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and get beautifully fragrant for about three minutes. At this point your kitchen will seriously start to smell incredible.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Pasta Mixture
Pour in the entire jar of marinara or pizza sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and stir until everything’s thoroughly coated. Taste and add salt and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooked pasta so every noodle is generously covered with meat and sauce—a truly crave-worthy base for your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.
Step 4: Mix in Cheese and Meats
In a large mixing bowl, combine your pasta-meat mixture with half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the chopped pepperoni, and half of the crumbled bacon. This ensures that meat and cheesy goodness are woven throughout every single scoop.
Step 5: Layer and Top
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This next step is where the magic happens! Scatter the remaining mozzarella, then the rest of the pepperoni and bacon, and finally, a generous blanket of Parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake To Bubbly Perfection
Place your casserole uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cheese is fiercely bubbling and the top is lightly golden, you know your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is ready. Let it sit for five minutes before digging in—this helps it hold together for perfect cheesy slices.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
For a fresh burst of flavor and a splash of color, sprinkle your hot casserole with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. It’s those finishing touches that make your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole pop and taste like it came straight from a local trattoria.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is wonderfully rich, it pairs well with a bright green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli for balance. If you’re feeling extravagant, serve it alongside warm garlic bread—perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your family by serving individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins. For a party, try spooning the casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers or topping with extra pepperoni slices arranged in fun shapes. The best part is how adaptable and crowd-pleasing Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole can be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, still tasting delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This casserole is a weeknight lifesaver because it freezes so well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in freezer-safe portions. It’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or microwaving.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If you’re on the go, the microwave works too—just heat in 60-second bursts so the cheese melts without drying out. Either way, your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole will be as satisfying as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are classic picks because they hold sauce so well, you can use ziti, rigatoni, or even shells for a fun twist. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it keeps its shape after baking.
How can I make this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole a bit healthier?
Swap out ground turkey or turkey sausage for the beef and pork, use turkey bacon, and choose a reduced-fat cheese. You can even load up with extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach while still getting that indulgent, meaty flavor.
What’s the best way to prep this ahead for a party?
You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time since it’ll be chilled. This makes last-minute entertaining a breeze!
Can I make this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the meats and replace them with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and some plant-based sausage or meat crumbles. The method and cheesy goodness stay just as delightful.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out when reheating?
Cover the casserole with foil and optionally add a splash of marinara or water over the top—this keeps everything moist and melty. Bake at 350°F until hot, or if using the microwave, be sure to cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
Final Thoughts
If you love both pizza and pasta in equal measure, you owe it to yourself to make this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole at least once. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and even bigger appetites. Give it a try this week—you just might find it becomes one of your most requested family favorites!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza in casserole form with this hearty and satisfying Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 1 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)
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add onion and garlic, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and bake: Mix the pasta mixture with half of the mozzarella, pepperoni, and bacon. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and meats. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and browned.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage or lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- This dish freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
