Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty and savory dish that combines all the beloved flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza with the comfort and ease of a casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd, satisfying hearty appetites, or simply indulging in a love for all things meat and cheese, this casserole is a surefire hit. Packed with a variety of meats, gooey cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, all layered with pasta instead of pizza dough, it offers a delicious twist on traditional pizza. Whether for a casual family dinner, game day gathering, or potluck, this casserole brings the pizzeria experience home in a most satisfying way.
Why You’ll Love Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with meats and cheese, it’s a satisfying meal all on its own.
- Flavors of Your Favorite Pizza: Enjoy the classic flavors of a meat lovers pizza in a novel casserole form.
- Easy to Make: Simple preparation and common ingredients make this dish accessible to cooks of any skill level.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as great the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.
Ingredients Notes
- Pasta: Use a sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti that can hold up to the sauce and toppings.
- Meats: A combination of cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, and ground beef or turkey. Feel free to add bacon or ham for extra meatiness.
- Cheese: Mozzarella for that classic pizza stretch, and Parmesan for a flavor boost.
- Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce ties all the components together with rich tomato flavor.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (optional) enhance the casserole with classic pizza flavors.
Recipe Steps
- Precook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Brown the Meats: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, browned meats, half of the pepperoni slices, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta and meat mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layers.
- Add Final Toppings: Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for a pizza-like appearance. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven until bubbly. Remove foil and bake for a few more minutes to brown the cheese.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
How to Make a Delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- Pasta: 16 oz (450g), uncooked (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Italian sausage: 1/2 lb (225g), casings removed
- Pepperoni slices: 1 cup, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- Ham: 1/2 cup, diced
- Bacon: 1/2 cup, cooked and crumbled
- Pizza sauce: 24 oz (680g) jar
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced (optional)
- Black olives: 1/2 cup, sliced (optional)
- Olive oil: for sautéing
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meats:
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook until the meats are browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Add the chopped pepperoni, diced ham, and cooked bacon. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine:
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the pizza sauce. Add the meat mixture and sliced mushrooms and black olives if using. Toss to combine everything well.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta and meat mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and arrange some pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
