Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole 🍕🥘: A Hearty, Cheesy, and Savory Comfort Dish
If you’re a fan of both pizza and casseroles, then Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a dish you absolutely need to try. This hearty, cheesy casserole brings together all the best elements of a classic pizza—savory meats, gooey cheese, and a flavorful marinara sauce—layered with pasta for an extra comforting twist. Perfect for a family dinner, game day, or even a cozy night in, this casserole combines everything you love about pizza in one easy, delicious dish.
This recipe takes inspiration from Grandma’s Secret Recipes, blending rich and savory meats with melty cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. With Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef as the base of the dish, and mozzarella and parmesan for that cheesy goodness, each bite is full of flavor. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delicious casserole!
Table of Contents:
Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Perfect Pizza Casserole
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Variations and Customizations
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Nutritional Information
Conclusion
1. Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
Main Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage – Adds rich, savory flavor to the casserole with a nice spiced kick.
1/2 lb pepperoni slices – Gives the casserole an authentic pizza taste, with a satisfying texture.
1 lb ground beef – Provides a hearty base for the dish, making it filling and flavorful.
24 oz marinara sauce – A classic pizza sauce that ties the whole dish together with its rich, tomato-y goodness.
2 cups mozzarella, shredded – The star of any pizza, mozzarella gives the casserole its stretchy, gooey cheese layer.
1/2 cup parmesan, grated – Adds an extra layer of sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
16 oz penne pasta – The pasta serves as a hearty base for the casserole, absorbing all the savory flavors.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – The perfect blend of herbs to add depth and fragrance to the casserole.
2. Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, here’s how to make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the casserole once it’s assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, until it’s fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
Add the pepperoni slices to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting them crisp up slightly. Once the meat and pepperoni are cooked, drain any excess grease and set the mixture aside.
Step 4: Combine with Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the meat and pepperoni. Add the Italian seasoning, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked penne pasta with the meat and marinara sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and meat.
Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with the parmesan cheese. Stir again, and then top with the remaining mozzarella for that perfect cheesy finish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set and make it easier to scoop out servings.
Garnish with a little extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired and serve hot!
3. Tips for Perfect Pizza Casserole
For the best results when making Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, keep these tips in mind:
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to cook it al dente. Overcooking it beforehand can lead to mushy pasta.
Use Lean Ground Beef: To avoid excess grease, opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or leaner). This ensures the casserole won’t be greasy after baking.
Crisp the Pepperoni: Let the pepperoni cook for a few minutes in the skillet to get that signature crisp texture, which adds flavor and a nice bite to the casserole.
Cover the Casserole with Foil: Covering the casserole with foil helps the dish cook evenly and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly. The second round of baking without foil lets the cheese become bubbly and golden.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can enhance the pizza-like flavor of the casserole.
4. How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with the following sides:
Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion for this cheesy casserole.
Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Try serving the casserole with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Crusty Bread: If you want to make it extra indulgent, serve with some crusty bread to dip into any leftover marinara sauce.
5. Variations and Customizations
Want to put your spin on this recipe? Here are some fun variations and customizations you can try:
Add Veggies: If you want to add some veggies to your casserole, try mixing in mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions with the meat and marinara sauce.
Different Meats: Feel free to experiment with other meats such as bacon, ham, or even chicken sausage if you want a different flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, add some jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Use Gluten-Free Pasta: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Different Cheeses: Switch up the cheese by using cheddar, Provolone, or Ricotta for a slightly different flavor profile.
6. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storing Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat, you can pop individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
7. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole (assuming 6 servings):
Calories: 450-500
Protein: 30g
Fat: 30g
Carbs: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
This casserole is a delicious, hearty meal, but it’s also a bit rich. If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using leaner meats or reducing the amount of cheese.
8. Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, packed with savory meats, melty cheese, and tender pasta. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or just a cozy night at home, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, with all the options for customizing and serving it with your favorite sides, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.
Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!