Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: A Deliciously Hearty Recipe for Pizza Fans

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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic pizza that brings together all your favorite meaty toppings in a hearty, comforting dish. This casserole not only satisfies your cravings for pizza but also offers a convenient way to enjoy a meal that is both filling and flavorful. Originating from the need to create a quick and easy dinner option, the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole has become a beloved staple in many households, especially for busy families and pizza enthusiasts alike.

People adore this dish for its rich combination of textures and tastes, featuring layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, and a zesty sauce that melds together beautifully. The convenience of preparing a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole means you can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With its robust flavors and satisfying ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meat Mixture

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cooking the Pasta

  1. While the meat mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want the starch to help the sauce adhere.

Combining Ingredients

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  3. Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, pepperoni slices, and cooked bacon bits to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Assembling the Casserole

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  3. Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese, ensuring an even layer across the top.
  4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and a nice golden crust.

Baking the Casserole

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  3. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  4. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Using a sharp knife or spatula, cut the casserole into squares and serve warm.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
  3. This casserole pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

  1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

    Conclusion:

    In summary, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a must-try for anyone who craves the rich, savory flavors of a classic pizza but wants the convenience and heartiness of a casserole. With layers of delicious meats, gooey cheese, and a medley of toppings, this dish is sure to satisfy even the most discerning meat lovers. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or even switching up the meats to include spicy sausage or pepperoni for an extra kick. We encourage you to try this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole for your next family dinner or potluck gathering. It’s not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you’ve made it, we’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any tips you might have in the comments below or on social media. Happy cooking! Print
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    Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: A Deliciously Hearty Recipe for Pizza Fans

    • Author: Maria
    • Total Time: 60 minutes
    • Yield: 8 servings 1x
    Print Recipe

    Description

    This hearty casserole features a delicious blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pasta, all enveloped in a rich pizza sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, offering a satisfying meal that everyone will love!

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 pound Italian sausage
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
    • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 8 ounces penne pasta
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
    • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 8-10 minutes.
    2. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat.
    3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
    4. Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
    5. While the meat mixture is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    6. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
    7. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want the starch to help the sauce adhere.
    8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
    10. Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, pepperoni slices, and cooked bacon bits to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
    11. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
    12. Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
    13. Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese, ensuring an even layer across the top.
    14. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor and a nice golden crust.
    15. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
    16. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
    17. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
    18. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut.
    19. Using a sharp knife or spatula, cut the casserole into squares and serve warm.
    20. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
    21. This casserole pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
    22. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
    23. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

    Notes

    • Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences.
    • Prep Time: 25 minutes
    • Cook Time: 40 minutes

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