Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: A Hearty, Flavor-packed Family Favorite

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s packed with all your favorite pizza toppings. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the deliciousness of a pizza with the warmth and comfort of a baked casserole, then this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the answer. Loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish will satisfy even the biggest appetites in your family.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish at a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the best part? You can customize it with all your favorite pizza toppings to suit your taste. Inspired by the flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza, this casserole brings the same bold, savory goodness to your dinner table. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious, filling dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

If you’re a fan of pizza, then this casserole will quickly become your new favorite comfort food. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, ease of preparation, and the combination of all the delicious flavors we love in a pizza. Instead of making a traditional pizza from scratch, which can take a bit more time and effort, this casserole version offers the same mouthwatering taste without the hassle.

Not only is it perfect for pizza lovers, but it’s also great for busy families looking for a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking. You get all the flavors of a meaty pizza in a one-dish meal that can be served with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re hosting a game day, family night, or simply craving a comforting meal, this casserole has got you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this meaty casserole. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are kitchen staples, and you may already have them on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef – The heart of the casserole, providing rich flavor and a savory base.
• 1 pound Italian sausage – A classic pizza topping that adds some spiciness and depth to the dish.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a mild sweetness and texture to balance out the meats.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must for adding aromatic depth and enhancing the savory flavors.
• 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce – The key ingredient to bring that authentic pizza taste.
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds extra moisture and richness to the casserole.
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) – Pasta serves as a comforting base, creating a filling and hearty dish.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – This gooey cheese is the classic pizza topping that makes the casserole creamy and delicious.
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni – No meat lovers pizza is complete without a layer of pepperoni for that salty, savory punch.
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon – Crispy bacon brings a smoky crunch to the dish that complements the other meats perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the casserole that quintessential pizza flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the casserole.
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to make a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready to impress anyone at your dinner table.

Directions: Easy Steps to a Delicious Casserole

Making this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is incredibly easy and straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a cheesy, savory, and satisfying casserole in no time!

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and come out with perfectly melted cheese and a golden top.
2. Brown the Meat:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together until fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step ensures your casserole won’t be greasy.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This step adds depth of flavor to your meat mixture and fills the kitchen with delicious smells.
4. Combine the Sauce and Pasta:
   Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Mix everything together well, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the meat mixture. The sauce and tomatoes will combine with the meats to form a savory, flavorful base for the casserole.
5. Layer the Casserole:
   Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Start by layering half of the meat and pasta mixture on the bottom of the dish. Spread it out evenly to create a solid base layer.
6. Add the Cheese and Toppings:
   Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture. Next, add half of the sliced pepperoni and half of the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese. These ingredients will provide that savory, pizza-like flavor with every bite.
7. Repeat the Layers:
   Add the remaining meat mixture on top of the first layer, spreading it out evenly. Then, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, followed by the rest of the pepperoni and bacon. The cheese will melt beautifully over the top, giving the casserole that irresistible gooey texture.
8. Bake the Casserole:
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. The top should be perfectly melted, and the dish should be bubbling around the edges.
9. Let It Cool and Serve:
   Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut and serve. If desired, garnish the casserole with fresh basil for a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic touch.

Tips for Perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

While this casserole is simple to prepare, here are a few tips to ensure your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Your Favorite Pasta: While penne or rotini work best, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just be sure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue cooking in the casserole.
• Add More Toppings: This casserole is highly customizable. Add any additional pizza toppings you love—such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives—to make it your own.
• Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare this casserole the day before. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
• Leftovers: This casserole makes great leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Healthier Alternatives for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

While this casserole is a hearty, indulgent dish, there are ways to make it a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few ideas:

• Lean Ground Meat: Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for lean ground turkey or chicken. This reduces the fat content while still keeping the meat flavors strong.
• Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat mozzarella cheese to cut down on the calories and fat.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and load the casserole up with extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can still use the pepperoni and bacon-flavored meat alternatives for that same savory taste.

Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of pizza but wants something heartier and easier to make. It’s a meal that combines all the goodness of a pizza with the comfort and heartiness of a casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game day party, or just craving something satisfying, this dish delivers every time.

The combination of meats, cheese, pasta, and pizza sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, so no two batches will ever be the same. And with a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 45 minutes, you can get a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

So, why not try this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole at your next family dinner or casual gathering? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for the recipe

Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of savory meats and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen, and a bubbling, golden-brown casserole dish waiting to be devoured. This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a fun game-day feast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture on the bottom.
6. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
7. Layer the sliced pepperoni and crumbled bacon on top.
8. Add the remaining meat mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta.
Use quality ingredients.
Don’t skimp on the cheese.
Customize the toppings.
Let it rest.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes