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How to Make a Delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

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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 9x13 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.