If you’re craving the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, look no further than this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. This hearty mash-up captures all the cheesy, meaty goodness of your favorite pizza in the form of a bubbling, crispy-edged baked pasta dish. Loaded with sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, and ham, all cloaked in melty mozzarella and tangy pizza sauce, this casserole is a weeknight lifesaver and the perfect dish to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient lineup for this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is both straightforward and absolutely essential to getting that bold flavor and dreamy texture. Each component brings a little something special to the table, whether it’s gooey cheese pull, hearty meat, or a sprinkle of herby freshness.
- Pasta (12 ounces rotini, penne, or rigatoni): These shapes hold the sauce and meats beautifully, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash kickstarts the cooking and develops a rich base for the meats.
- Italian Sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Adds spiced, savory depth that’s classic on any “meat lovers” pizza.
- Ground Beef (1/2 pound): Provides hearty bulk and soaks up all those saucy flavors.
- Diced Pepperoni (1/2 cup, plus more for topping): A must for pizza vibes and deliciously crispy edges.
- Diced Ham or Canadian Bacon (1/2 cup): Brings a touch of salty-sweetness to balance the boldness of the other meats.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce (1 24-ounce jar): Delivers classic tomato flavor and ties everything together.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): That unmistakable mix of herbs gives the sauce a pizza shop aroma.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): For oozy, melty goodness that makes every spoonful irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Amp up the savoriness with this umami-packed topper.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little heat if you like your casserole with a kick.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil for garnish (optional): Adds color and a fresh lift right before serving.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light mist of cooking spray or a quick swipe with olive oil. This tiny step guarantees easy serving later—no stubborn pasta stuck to the pan!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, drop in your pasta, and cook just until al dente. You want it to still have a slight bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you build the savory sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Meats
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with a spoon as they brown. Sauté until all the pink is gone and everything’s deliciously caramelized. Drain away any excess fat so your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole isn’t greasy—just rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
With your skillet still hot, stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, all the diced pepperoni, and the ham or Canadian bacon. Simmer that meaty, herby mixture for about five minutes. This allows all those incredible flavors to meld together and start smelling just like your favorite pizzeria.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet or, if your skillet isn’t big enough, combine everything in a huge mixing bowl. Toss and stir until every single piece of pasta is happily coated with the saucy, meaty goodness. This is the moment where all the elements of your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole come together in perfect harmony!
Step 6: Layer and Top with Cheese
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Shower the top with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. For that picture-perfect finish, dot the top with extra slices of pepperoni. Trust me, those little rounds crisp up in the oven and absolutely make the dish.
Step 7: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden spots on the cheese and bubbling sauce around the edges—irresistible. Once it’s done, let it rest for five minutes so everything sets up. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil if you like a pop of green and brightness.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Chopped fresh basil or parsley scattered over the top right before serving not only adds a beautiful splash of color but also elevates all those warm, cheesy flavors with a hint of freshness.
Side Dishes
This robust casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette or a big basket of garlic bread for scooping up all that saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests or make dinnertime feel special, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Arrange extra pepperoni in a fun pattern—think little heart shapes or spell out a message—and don’t forget to offer extra Parmesan at the table for that classic pizzeria touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors mingle.
Freezing
The casserole freezes like a dream! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and transfer to the freezer for up to three months. You can freeze the whole dish or portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy weeknight dinners down the road.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover your leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes for a full casserole or 5-10 minutes for a single portion. You can also microwave individual servings, though the cheese might not stay quite as gooey as when oven-baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rotini, penne, and rigatoni are perfect for catching all the sauce, you can swap in any short pasta you have on hand. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente before baking.
What other toppings can I add?
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole loves customization! Feel free to toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even a handful of spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The optional red pepper flakes bring gentle heat, so leave them out if you’d rather keep things mild, or crank it up if you love a little kick.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the whole casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.
What’s the best way to make it extra cheesy?
If your heart desires, add a layer of provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses on top of the mozzarella and Parmesan for an ultra-cheesy, perfectly stretchy crust on your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that nails all the flavors of your favorite pizzeria pie, Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is just what your weeknight (or game day!) needs. Dive in, load up your plate, and savor every cheesy, meaty bite—you’ll want to make this a regular in your recipe rotation!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. It’s a hearty and cheesy pasta bake loaded with all your favorite pizza toppings, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or rigatoni)
Meat Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup diced ham or Canadian bacon
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare meat mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook sausage and ground beef until browned. Add marinara/pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, pepperoni, and ham. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and meat mixture: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stir to coat, and transfer to baking dish.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with extra pepperoni if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and veggies.
- You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
