Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meats. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Once the meat sauce has simmered, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

Now, stir in the crumbled bacon and pepperoni pieces, making sure everything is well-distributed.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and bubble up as the casserole bakes, adding a golden, cheesy top.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and added flavor.

Serve this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole hot and enjoy the satisfying, meaty, cheesy goodness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Loaded with Flavor: This casserole combines all the best ingredients from a meat lover’s pizza—ground beef, sausage, bacon, and pepperoni—making it a meat-lover’s dream come true.
• Cheesy and Comforting: With two types of cheese (mozzarella and Parmesan), this dish is decadently cheesy and comforting, making it perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal at a party.
• Easily Customizable: You can easily customize this casserole by adding or removing meats to suit your taste. Want to add some bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives? Feel free to throw them in! You can also adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed as leftovers for a couple of days. It also reheats beautifully, so it’s great for meal prepping or preparing ahead of time.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, meaty, pasta-filled layers are sure to be a hit with kids. They’ll love the familiar flavors of pizza in an easy-to-eat casserole form.

Tips for the Best Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Use a Sturdy Pasta: Pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or rigatoni work best for this casserole because their ridges and curves allow the sauce to cling better. Avoid thin pasta like spaghetti, as it may not hold up as well.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the casserole, be sure to cook it just until al dente (firm to the bite) so that it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce. These additions will complement the meaty filling without overpowering the dish.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Simply assemble everything, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, right before serving will give the casserole a burst of color and freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich, cheesy flavors.

Conclusion

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone who loves the savory, satisfying flavors of a meat-lover’s pizza, but wants a heartier, comforting meal. With its combination of pasta, meat, and gooey cheese, it’s a filling and flavorful casserole that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Easy to make and customizable, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a special treat for any pizza lover. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s bound to become a favorite in your household!