Meat Lovers Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces pasta, such as penne or rotini, cooked and drained
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Cook the meats:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped pepperoni and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
Prepare the sauce:
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the casserole:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Garnish and serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.