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How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease, if necessary. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Add the Pizza Sauce
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the pizza sauce (or marinara sauce). Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors together. If you like a thicker sauce, you can let it cook a little longer.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. Then add the pepperoni slices and spread them evenly over the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Meat Lovers’ Dream: Packed with ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, this casserole is a meat lover’s dream. It’s a satisfying, protein-packed meal that will leave everyone full and happy.
- Easy to Make: The beauty of this casserole is that it’s simple to prepare. With just a few key ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this hearty dish ready in less than an hour.
- Cheesy and Flavorful: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that binds everything together, while the Parmesan adds a nice sharp, salty flavor.
- One Dish Meal: Everything—protein, pasta, sauce, and cheese—comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Tips for the Best Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Customize Your Toppings: If you’re not a fan of one of the meats, feel free to swap it out. You can add bacon, ham, or even grilled chicken for a different twist.
- Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the casserole before baking.
- Add Vegetables: You can easily make this dish more nutritious by adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. This will give your casserole a nice flavor boost and additional texture.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats wonderfully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal the next day.
Conclusion: A Perfect Meal for Pizza Lovers
The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza, but in casserole form. With its hearty meat filling, tangy sauce, and gooey, melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for those who crave comfort food with a little extra heartiness. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you need a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or even more pizza toppings, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to add it to your list of favorite go-to meals!
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