Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe to Delight You

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is this yummy, kinda messy dish that mixes all the meaty parts of a pizza and bakes it in a pan. Think of pasta, sausage, pepperoni and bacon all stuck together with sauce and cheese, then heated till its bubbly. It's a comfort food hit if you like a ton of meat on your plate and dont wanna roll out dough.

This recipe is pretty simple, you dont need to make pizza from scratch or worry about fancy tools. Just chop, mix, layer and bake. It works great for a busy weeknight dinner or even when you got friends coming over. And the best part? You can swap stuff out if you aint got one ingredient, add stuff your family likes or leave out what you dont.

If you want a filling, cheesy meal that feels like pizza without the fuss, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole will do the trick. Grab your pan, get ready for some meaty goodness, and lets dive into whats needed for this awesome casserole!

1. What is Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?

A casserole is pretty much any dish you layer in a deep baking dish and bake slowly so all the flavors mix. The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole takes that idea and loads on meats, pasta, tomatoe sauce, and melty cheese. When it comes out of the oven, its bubbly, golden, and tastes like pizza you dont gotta hand toss.

1.2. Why it Appeals to Meat Lovers

If you love meat, this is your dream dinner. You get pepperoni, italian sausage, crispy bacon and ground beef all in one bite. The bacon edges get nice and crunch, the sausage is a bit spicy, and the beef adds a hearty texture. Mix those together and you got a meaty symphony that satisfies even the hungriest crowd.

2. Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

To make this casserole, gather the ingredients below. You can tweak amounts or swap if needed.

2.1. Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef: 1 lb, for a meaty base
• Italian Sausage: 1 lb, gives a little spice
• Pepperoni: 1 cup, sliced for that classic pizza feel
• Bacon: 1 cup, cooked and crumbled for extra crunch

2.2. Additional Ingredients

• Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella, for gooey texture
• Pizza Sauce: 1 cup, to marry all the flavors
• Bell Peppers: 1 cup chopped (optional), adds color and crunch
• Mushrooms: 1 cup sliced (optional), for some earthiness
• Pasta: 12 oz (like rotini or penne), to hold all the sauce
• Seasonings: oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

2.3. Common Substitutions

• Vegetarian Options: swap meats for plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like zucchini
• Gluten-Free Alternatives: use gluten-free pasta and check that the pizza sauce is GF

3. Complete Recipe: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

3.1. Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
• Oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

3.2. Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta as the package says till al dente. Drain and set aside but dont rinse.
2. Sauté the Meats: In a big skillet, brown the ground beef and italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off excess fat.
3. Mix Together: Stir in the cooked pasta, pizza sauce, crumbled bacon, and half the mozzarella. Season with oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Assemble: Grease a casserole dish. Pour the mixture in and spread it out. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and then layer the pepperoni.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or till the cheese is bubbly and a little golden.
6. Rest and Serve: Let it cool a few minutes before you dig in. Enjoy a big slice of meaty goodness!

3.3. Cooking Tips

• Even Layers: stir the mix well before baking so you dont get pockets of sauce or cheese.
• Make Ahead: you can put it together a day before, cover and refrigerate. Bake when you ready.
• Freeze for Later: want more time? Freeze uncooked in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.

4. Serving Suggestions for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

4.1. Ideal Pairings

• Salads: a crisp garden or caesar salad adds freshness
• Breads: garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect to dip in extra sauce
• Dips: ranch or garlic sauce on the side makes it extra tasty

4.2. Presentation Ideas

• Garnishes: sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving
• Serving Dish: choose a colorful dish or platter to make it pop on the table

5. Nutritional Information

5.1. Caloric Breakdown

Each serving of this casserole is pretty high in calories cuz of all the meat and cheese, but you get a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats for a filling meal.

5.2. Health Considerations

This dish is loaded with protein so it really fills you up. It is a bit indulgent so watch your portions if youre trying to eat lighter.

6. Variations of Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

6.1. Different Meats and Add-ins

• Turkey: swap ground beef for turkey to lighten it up
• Ham: chop in some ham for a new twist
• Chicken: shredded chicken works great if you want something different

6.2. Flavor Tweaks

• Spicy Kick: add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix

6.3. Seasonal Variations

• Fall: try diced squash or sweet potatoes in the autumn
• Summer: zucchini and corn can lighten it up in the summer heat

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7.1. Can Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it, cover with foil and keep in the fridge for a day. Bake when youre ready.

7.2. Can leftovers be frozen?

Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer.

7.3. What's a good side dish for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?

A simple salad or some steamed veggies helps balance all that cheese and meat.

7.4. Can I use pre-cooked or frozen ingredients?

Yes, you can use frozen veggies or pre-cooked meats to save time. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

7.5. How to store leftovers properly?

Keep leftover casserole in a sealed container in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

8. Conclusion

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a super satisfying and easy dish for anyone who loves hearty meals. You can switch up ingredients and make it your own. So grab your pan, try your favorite mix of meats and veggies, and enjoy this cheesy, meaty feast!

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines all the favorite flavors of a pizza into a hearty, comforting dish. It's loaded with ground meats, cheese, and pizza sauce, layered with pasta for a satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course main dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 large pot
• 1 9x13 inch baking dish
• 1 mixing spoon
• 1 set measuring cups and spoons
• 1 oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 8 ounces pepperoni slices
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
• 15 ounces pizza sauce 1 can
• 12 ounces rotini pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, pizza sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta in a large pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture and half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix well.
• Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, along with the pepperoni slices.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other toppings, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to customize your casserole.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days and can be easily reheated.