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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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