Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything you crave from a classic pizza, transformed into a hearty, crowd-pleasing baked dish. It combines bold flavors, layers of savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese in one comforting casserole. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or anytime you want a satisfying meal without the hassle of making dough. I especially enjoy how customizable it is; you can adjust the meats, cheese, or even the pasta base to suit your preferences. When I first made this casserole, I was surprised at how well it captured the essence of a loaded pizza while offering the convenience of a one-dish meal. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers, and it is guaranteed to please both adults and kids alike.
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole (Ultimate Comfort Dinner)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, family-friendly casserole that combines all the bold flavors of a meat lovers pizza—savory sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, rich tomato sauce, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese—baked into a comforting one-dish meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz beef sausage, sliced
- 1 cup beef pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pepperoni, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with meat sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite pizza toppings such as olives or mushrooms for variation.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta
Short pasta such as penne or rotini works best because it holds the sauce and meat well. It creates the sturdy base that replaces traditional pizza crust.
Ground beef
Ground beef adds richness and body to the casserole. When browned properly, it brings a classic pizza-style savory flavor.
Italian sausage
Italian sausage provides seasoning and depth. Mild or spicy varieties both work depending on your preference.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni delivers the signature pizza taste. As it bakes, it releases flavorful oils that enhance the sauce.
Cooked bacon
Bacon adds smokiness and a slight crunch, balancing the softer textures of the pasta and cheese.
Pizza sauce
Pizza sauce ties all the ingredients together. Its seasoned tomato base delivers familiar pizza flavor in every bite.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly and creates that stretchy, gooey texture everyone expects from pizza.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds sharpness and richness, complementing the mozzarella beautifully.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan brings a salty, nutty note that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Onion
Onion adds subtle sweetness and aroma, helping balance the richness of the meats.
Garlic
Garlic boosts the savory profile and gives the casserole a warm, comforting aroma.
Italian seasoning
This blend reinforces classic pizza flavors and ties all components together.
Salt and black pepper
These seasonings ensure the dish is well-balanced and flavorful.
Directions
Start by cooking the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking them up as they cook. Drain excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Lower the heat and mix in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked pasta until everything is well coated. Fold in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, along with the pepperoni and bacon. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheeses, additional pepperoni if desired, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C until bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest briefly before serving for easier slicing.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This casserole serves six to eight people generously. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while baking time is approximately 30 to 35 minutes, making it a practical option for weeknight dinners.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until heated through. This casserole also freezes well for up to two months.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option or add ham for extra variety. For a spicy version, include hot Italian sausage or crushed red pepper flakes. Vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives can be added for balance. If you prefer a low-carb option, substitute pasta with cooked cauliflower florets. Each customization keeps the spirit of a meat lovers pizza while letting you tailor the dish to your tastes.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This casserole is high in protein and calcium due to the meats and cheeses. It can be adjusted for lower fat by using lean meats and reduced-fat cheese options.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Prevent overcooked pasta
Cook pasta just until al dente so it does not become mushy after baking.
Layer flavors carefully
Mix some cheese into the casserole and reserve some for topping to ensure even cheesiness.
Enhance the sauce
A pinch of sugar or extra herbs can balance acidity and deepen flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Yes, freeze it unbaked or baked for later use.
What pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes such as penne or rotini.
Can I use only one type of meat?
Yes, but combining meats gives the best flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is very popular with children.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables pair well with the meats.
How do I prevent dryness?
Ensure enough sauce and do not overbake.
Can I make it spicy?
Add spicy sausage or chili flakes.
Does it reheat well?
Yes, it reheats beautifully.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Absolutely, homemade sauce works perfectly.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a satisfying, flavorful dish that brings the joy of pizza into an easy-to-make baked meal. With its rich layers, bold meats, and melted cheese, it is sure to become a favorite at your table.
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