Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Get ready to dive headfirst into a comfort food extravaganza with this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe! This mouthwatering dish brings together all the flavors of your favorite pizza—tender pasta, a hearty trio of meats, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheeses—layered together into a bubbly, irresistible bake. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a laid-back get-together. Every bite delivers that magical balance of savory meats, Italian seasoning, and creamy cheesiness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. If you love pizza night, you’ll fall even harder for this easy one-pan wonder!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one adds a specific texture, flavor, or irresistible “pizza factor,” making your casserole sing with every forkful. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each part):

• Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): The sturdy pasta serves as a comforting base, perfectly soaking up all the savory sauce and cheese.
• Ground beef (1 pound): Adds classic, juicy richness to anchor the casserole’s meaty flavor profile.
• Italian sausage (½ pound, crumbled): Brings that iconic zest and just a hint of spice, elevating the mix.
• Pepperoni slices (½ cup): Provides that bold, unmistakable pizzeria taste and a pop of color.
• Cooked bacon (½ cup, crumbled): Lends a smoky, salty crunch that takes this dish over the top.
• Marinara or pizza sauce (2 cups): A luscious tomato base infuses classic Italian flavor throughout every bite.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs that pulls everything together and makes the casserole taste authentically Italian.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Delivers the gooey, melty top every pizza enthusiast craves.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Adds extra creaminess and a hint of sharpness for complexity.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Gives a finishing touch of salty, umami richness.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the depth of flavor and ties together the savory notes.
• Optional red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): For those who like a touch of heat—it’s totally up to your spice preference!

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start things off by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package directions. Whether you go for penne or rotini, make sure to drain it well when it’s perfectly al dente. The pasta forms the heart of the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe, providing a perfect backdrop for all those savory goodies to come.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in your ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage. Let them cook together until browned and cooked through, then drain any extra fat. This magical duo creates the robust, crave-worthy base that gives this casserole its famous name.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (about 190 degrees Celsius). Getting the temperature just right ensures everything bakes evenly and the cheese turns golden and bubbly, just like you want it!

Step 4: Mix the Casserole Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta, savory beef and sausage, pepperoni, bacon, marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling feisty. Stir it all together so every bite captures the essence of this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe.

Step 5: Assemble and Top With Cheese

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or nonstick spray, then pour in your pasta-meat mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese generously all over the top. This cheesy trio ensures you get the oozy, stretchy, golden topping every time.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for that irresistibly melty, bubbling cheese layer and piping hot center. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing—it will be easier and neater to serve after a brief cool-down!

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Give your casserole the royal treatment by scattering fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top just before serving. For even more “pizzeria” flair, sprinkle with a dusting of extra Parmesan or a quick twist of cracked black pepper. The bright green herbs make the dish pop and add a little freshness against the cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

Round out your plate by pairing this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe with a crisp Caesar or Italian salad to balance all that hearty goodness. A side of warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks is always a hit too, perfect for scooping up every last bit of saucy, melty, meaty deliciousness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve the casserole bubbling hot right from the baking dish at the center of the table. Hosting a party? Portion into individual ramekins for a playful presentation, or set up a “pizza bar” with ramekins of extra toppings—think sliced olives, chopped bell peppers, or extra pepper flakes—so everyone can customize their own slice of this meat lover’s dream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, so next-day servings are even more delicious!

Freezing

Want to get a jump on meal planning? This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes, or until everything is heated through. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven keeps that dreamy cheesy topping intact.

FAQs

Can I swap out the meats for other favorites?

Absolutely! This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is endlessly flexible—try adding cooked chicken, ham, or turkey sausage, or leave one of the meats out to tailor it to your tastes or fridge contents.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s just mildly zesty as written, but the spice level is easy to customize. Add extra pepperoni or red pepper flakes if you love more heat, or leave out the flakes altogether for a milder take.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza blend. The classic mozzarella-cheddar-Parmesan combo gives you the best pizza vibes, but any melty cheese will do the trick.

Does this casserole travel well for potlucks or parties?

Yes! Simply assemble and bake, then transport in the baking dish. Cover well to keep it warm, and you’ll be a guaranteed hit at any potluck, tailgate, or family gathering.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Penne or rotini are top picks because they hold the sauce and meats perfectly, but any sturdy, short pasta you have on hand will work beautifully in the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect, crowd-winning comfort bake, look no further than this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids, adults, and anyone who loves a seriously hearty, cheesy, pizza-inspired meal. Can’t wait for you to try it—your dinner table is about to get a whole lot happier!

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