Robust Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe – A Cozy Twist

Savory aromas of melted cheese and spicy pepperoni dance through your kitchen with this mouthwatering meat lovers pizza casserole recipe.

Layers of robust flavors combine to create a comfort food masterpiece that satisfies even the most intense hunger.

Pasta noodles mingle with seasoned ground beef, creating a delightful twist on traditional pizza.

Pepperoni and sausage add bold, zesty notes to every delectable bite.

Melted mozzarella blankets the casserole in a golden, irresistible embrace.

Packed with protein and bursting with Italian-inspired seasonings, this dish promises to become a new family favorite.

Grab a fork and prepare for a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pasta: Choose a robust pasta like rotini or penne that captures sauce beautifully and provides perfect texture in casserole.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Select high-quality, lean meats for rich flavor and reduced greasiness.
• Pepperoni: Use thin-sliced, zesty pepperoni for extra flavor punch and authentic pizza essence.
• Marinara Sauce: Pick a robust, well-seasoned sauce that complements meat's richness.
• Onion: Fresh, sweet onions enhance overall depth of meat sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic foundation for entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that elevates pizza-like flavor profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly, creating irresistible stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones to complete pizza-inspired experience.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional garnish that brings bright, fresh finish to hearty casserole.

Tools for a Meaty Pizza Casserole

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles perfectly.
• Large Skillet: Key for browning meats and creating flavorful sauce with high sides.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish removal.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure cheese and other ingredients accurately.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and pepperoni.
• Colander: Drains pasta after cooking.

How to Bake the Ultimate Meat Lovers Casserole

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil a pot of salted water and toss in your pasta. Cook until it’s just right, then drain and set aside.

• Create Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown ground beef and sausage, breaking it into tasty crumbles. Toss in diced onions and let them get soft and golden. Add garlic for a quick sizzle. Mix in pepperoni, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Italian seasonings. Let the sauce bubble and get delicious for about 5 minutes.

• Build Your Meaty Masterpiece

Combine pasta and meat sauce in the baking dish. Stir until everything’s coated in saucy goodness. Blanket the top with mozzarella cheese. If you’re feeling extra, lay down some pepperoni slices. Shower with more cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

• Bake To Cheesy Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Ditch the foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crown, hit it with the broiler for 2-3 minutes – but keep your eyes peeled!

• Serve Up The Deliciousness

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. If you want, toss some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Variations to Elevate Pizza Casserole

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for an extra kick of heat that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Veggie Sneaking Strategy: Mix in finely chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the meat sauce preparation to boost nutritional value without changing the pizza-like flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Version Hack: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage, choose low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables to create a healthier rendition of this comfort food classic.

Serving the Pizza Casserole Hot

• Pizza Party Platter: Slice the casserole into generous portions and arrange on a large wooden board with extra pepperoni slices, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty casserole and add a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Bread Buddy: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal. Toasted and buttered bread complements the casserole perfectly.
• Wine Companion: Complement the hearty dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which pairs wonderfully with the robust meat and tomato flavors.

Casserole Storage & Leftover Tips

• Quick Cool-Down: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to lock in flavor and prevent odor absorption.
• Freezer Magic: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to restore moisture if needed.

Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole blends classic Italian-American flavors into one comforting dish. Layers of pepperoni, sausage, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal people will crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) lean ground beef
• 1 lb (453 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni
• Additional pepperoni slices for topping (optional)
• 12 oz (340 g) rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, medium, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve.
3. Meat Mixture: In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Incorporate pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer to develop rich flavors.
4. Assembly: Combine cooked pasta with meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer mozzarella cheese and optional pepperoni slices across the surface.
5. Cheese Topping: Completely cover the casserole with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Seal with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Finishing: Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfectly textured casserole.
• Meat Browning Technique: Drain excess fat after browning meats to prevent a greasy final dish and concentrate flavor intensity.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Layer cheeses strategically for maximum coverage and a golden, bubbly top that creates irresistible texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier for busy nights.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 535
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1110 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg