Cozy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Nothing beats a hearty meat lovers pizza casserole that combines classic comfort food with irresistible cheesy goodness.

Layers of savory meats mingle with gooey cheese and crispy edges, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef come together in a delightful mashup that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Crisp pizza dough provides the perfect foundation for this protein-packed dish.

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella add creamy richness to every single bite.

Each forkful promises a burst of flavor that will make you forget about traditional pizza nights.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings all the best pizza elements into one incredible casserole.

What Makes Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole So Satisfying

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this meat lovers pizza casserole delivers a complete meal in under an hour with minimal kitchen prep.
• Kids and adults will love the familiar pizza flavors packed into a hearty, cheesy casserole that satisfies meat and pasta cravings simultaneously.
• Easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, or toppings, making it adaptable for various taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• One-pan cooking method reduces cleanup time, allowing families to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything in This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich, meaty base with deep flavor, choose 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juiciness.
• Italian Sausage: Adds robust, spicy undertones, select fresh or mild version based on preference.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza meat, provides extra zesty flavor and crispy texture when cooked.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melting cheese that creates classic stretchy pizza texture, use freshly shredded for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds complex savory notes, grate fresh for maximum flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato base with herbal notes, select high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients smoothly, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that provides traditional pizza profile.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer, fresh minced gives more intense taste.
• Onion: Adds sweet, savory undertone to meat sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing overall dish flavor.

• Pasta: Main structural element of casserole, choose short pasta like penne or rotini for easy mixing.

• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Bright, fresh herb finish for serving.

How to Cook Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole at Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Step 2: Boil and Drain Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Toss in the pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage

Brown the meats, breaking them into small pieces.

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions turn soft and translucent.

• Chopped pepperoni
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and get super delicious for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build Your Crazy Good Casserole

Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in the baking dish. Mix thoroughly.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Extra pepperoni slices (if you're feeling wild)
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.

For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes- but watch carefully to avoid burning!

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you want to get fancy.

Dig in and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’ll make everyone at the table super happy!

Key Tips for a Hearty Pizza Casserole

• Customize Meat Choices: Swap ground beef and Italian sausage with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for diverse protein options.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust pepperoni quantity or use mild pepperoni for less heat, ensuring family-friendly flavor profiles.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat cooked pasta dry and avoid overcooking to maintain a firm, appetizing casserole consistency.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking, helping cheese settle and create a smooth, creamy top layer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, saving time during busy weeknight dinners.

The Best Way to Store Pizza Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen portions remain delicious for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warm. Add a small amount of water or marinara sauce to prevent the pasta from becoming tough.

Perfect Pairings for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meaty flavors and cut through the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
• Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy casserole and provide a light, zesty contrast to the rich dish.
• Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious meat sauce and add an extra layer of savory flavor to the meal.
• Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the strong meat and cheese profile, enhancing the overall dining experience with its robust character.

Creative Twists on the Pizza Casserole Concept

Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based protein crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.

Gluten-Free Pizza Casserole: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners.

Low-Carb Pizza Casserole: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and spinach for nutritional boost.

Spicy Mexican-Inspired Pizza Casserole: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, swap marinara for salsa, and add black beans and jalapeños for a zesty southwestern-style meal.

All You Need to Know About Pizza Casserole

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even use a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love pizza-inspired dishes, and the combination of pasta, meat, and cheese makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also include sliced jalapeños on top for extra heat.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole delivers classic Italian-American comfort on a single plate. Cheesy layers of pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni
• Optional: Additional pepperoni slices for topping

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce/680 grams) jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously sized baking vessel by lightly coating it with cooking spray. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking.
2. Initiate the pasta preparation by bringing a substantial pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and set the cooked pasta aside.
3. In a spacious skillet, warm a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Introduce ground beef and Italian sausage, browning the meats thoroughly while breaking them into smaller fragments. Incorporate diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom briefly.
4. Integrate chopped pepperoni into the meat mixture. Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkling Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and meld flavors for several minutes, creating a rich and robust base.
5. Transfer the cooked pasta into the prepared baking dish, thoroughly combining it with the meat sauce. Distribute the first layer of mozzarella cheese across the surface. Optionally, arrange additional pepperoni slices for extra flavor and visual appeal.
6. Generously cover the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage. Protect the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.
7. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes under cover, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. For an enticing golden-brown crust, carefully broil for 2-3 minutes, watching vigilantly to prevent burning.
8. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Swap traditional pepperoni with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian pizza casserole lovers.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce cheese quantity or use low-fat cheese variants for a lighter, health-conscious adaptation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg