The Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Crafting a mouthwatering meat lovers pizza casserole sparks excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Pepperoni, sausage, and crispy bacon create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Melted cheese binds these robust flavors into a comforting dish everyone adores.

Weeknight dinners need something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing masterpiece you’ll want to devour.

Prepare to experience a pizza-inspired casserole that’ll make taste buds dance with pure joy.

Store Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the casserole for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining the cheese's gooey goodness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Crowd-Pleasing Sides

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti to complement the rich meat and cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's heaviness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a light, zesty side dish with romaine lettuce, parmesan shavings, and homemade croutons to balance the casserole's hearty profile and add fresh crunch.
• Design Garlic Bread Accompaniment: Craft warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra sauce and provide a complementary carbohydrate side that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Select Craft Beer Pairing: Opt for an amber ale or hoppy IPA to match the casserole's robust meat flavors, offering a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites.

Pizza Casserole for Meat Lovers Variants

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Use vegetarian pepperoni or omit for a veggie-packed casserole.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients like pizza sauce are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Keep the meaty protein and cheese layers for a keto-friendly version of the casserole.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with jalapeños for a fiery Mexican-inspired pizza casserole.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty combination and familiar pizza-like flavors. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that children typically enjoy.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Definitely! You can swap ground beef or Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even use a plant-based meat alternative for a different protein option.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe has mild spice levels. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. For less spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Simple steps like browning meat and layering ingredients make it easy to prepare.

Pizza Casserole That’s Meaty and Melty

• Devour Meaty Flavor Explosion: This pizza casserole delivers intense meat lover's satisfaction in every single bite.
• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under an hour with minimal prep and straightforward cooking steps.
• Family Dinner Game-Changer: Kids and adults will go crazy for the combination of pasta, multiple meats, gooey cheese, and pizza-inspired flavors.
• Versatile Comfort Food Masterpiece: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, game day gatherings, or when you crave a hearty, no-fuss meal that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Ingredient Collection

• Ground Beef: Rich beef base for hearty meat flavor, choose lean cut for less grease.
• Italian Sausage: Adds spicy and robust Italian-style meat profile, select mild or hot version.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping with intense flavor, provides crispy texture when baked.
• Bacon: Adds smoky saltiness and extra meat dimension, thick-cut preferred for best results.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and stretchy cheese perfect for classic pizza taste, whole milk variety recommended.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that complements other cheeses, medium or sharp cut works best.

• Pasta: Foundation of casserole, choose short shapes like rotini or penne for easy eating.
• Pizza Sauce: Provides classic pizza flavor profile, jarred or homemade sauce acceptable.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall savory taste, adds depth without fresh garlic chunks.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that gives authentic Italian pizza taste.

• Black Olives: Adds briny flavor contrast, sliced or whole based on preference.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick, adjust amount to personal heat tolerance.

How to Build a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection.

Carefully drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the next delicious layer.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meats

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into small crumbles as they cook.

Drain away any excess fat.

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Pizza sauce

Stir everything together until the meat is fully coated and bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Warm up the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease.

• Half of the cooked pasta
• Half of the meat mixture
• Half of the pepperoni
• Half of the bacon

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Repeat the entire layering process, making sure to finish with a beautiful blanket of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

For extra zing, sprinkle some black olives and red pepper flakes on top.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before diving in and enjoying your meaty creation.

Casserole Tips for Pizza Night, Meat Lover’s Style

• Slightly undercook pasta during boiling to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture in the final casserole.
• Remove maximum grease from ground beef and sausage to prevent a greasy, soggy dish and maintain a rich, clean meat flavor.
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create easier, cleaner serving portions.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without compromising the hearty pizza casserole essence.
• Distribute pepperoni and bacon evenly between layers to ensure every bite contains maximum meaty, crispy goodness.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole brings Italian-inspired comfort directly to dinner tables with bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Layers of savory meats, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a satisfying meal you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups pizza sauce

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup black olives (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform the pasta into a perfect al dente consistency by immersing in boiling water, following package instructions. Once cooked, thoroughly drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Navigate a large skillet with ground beef and Italian sausage, sautéing over medium heat until the meats are completely browned. Eliminate excess fat through careful draining. Infuse the meat with robust flavors by incorporating garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and rich pizza sauce.
3. Prepare the baking vessel by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Construct the first foundation layer using half of the prepared pasta, followed by an even distribution of the seasoned meat mixture. Strategically arrange pepperoni and crispy bacon across the surface.
4. Generously sprinkle the first layer with a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Replicate the layering process with remaining pasta, meat, pepperoni, and bacon. Crown the casserole with a final lavish layer of melting cheeses.
5. Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Optional enhancement includes scattering black olives and red pepper flakes for additional zest.
6. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest momentarily, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld. Slice and serve while warmth and cheesy allure are at their peak.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef and turkey sausage for a lighter version of this hearty casserole, reducing overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Prep ingredients in advance to make assembly quick and smooth, especially if cooking for a busy family dinner or potluck gathering.
• Customize toppings by adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or swapping pepperoni for vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage crumbles for dietary flexibility.
• Control cheese melting by covering with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then removing to ensure perfect golden-brown cheese topping without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg