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.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture on the bottom.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
- Layer the sliced pepperoni and crumbled bacon on top.
- Add the remaining meat mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 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