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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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