Today’s Colorado Recipe: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
A Hearty, Cheesy Casserole with All Your Favorite Pizza Toppings
When the sun dips behind the Rockies and the Colorado air cools with that high-altitude crispness, nothing satisfies quite like a bubbling-hot, hearty casserole fresh from the oven. Today’s recipe—a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole—is everything you crave on a chilly evening in the Centennial State: comforting, rich, packed with bold flavors, and ready to feed a crowd. It’s a classic mash-up of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and pasta—brought together in one satisfying dish.
Let’s take a culinary journey into this mountain-inspired spin on pizza night, designed to delight meat lovers and bring smiles to family dinners, potlucks, or tailgate spreads.
Why This Recipe Feels Right at Home in Colorado
Colorado cuisine has always been about balancing bold flavors with practicality. From hearty game meats to farm-fresh produce, the state’s culinary personality is rooted in comfort, warmth, and robust satisfaction. With its combination of savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, and rich marinara, this casserole brings that warm, filling satisfaction straight to your table.
The beauty of a dish like this lies in its versatility and generosity—it’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and substantial enough to nourish an active lifestyle. Whether you’re fresh off a mountain hike or just looking for something cozy to tuck into on a snowy evening in Denver, this pizza casserole will do the trick.
The Inspiration: Pizza Meets Pasta
Pizza night is a staple in most American households, but when you’re craving something even more substantial—or need to feed a crowd—a casserole might be the better answer. Combining all the best parts of a meat-lovers pizza (Italian sausage, pepperoni, and gooey cheese) with the heartiness of baked pasta, this casserole is comfort food at its finest.
While the ingredients themselves are simple, the layering of textures and flavors elevates this dish. The crust of a traditional pizza is replaced by tender penne pasta, which absorbs the rich marinara sauce. Melting mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top create that beloved pizza finish—complete with a crispy broiled topping.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into the key ingredients and why they matter:
1. Italian Sausage (1 lb)
This is the flavor backbone of the casserole. Use sweet, spicy, or mild sausage depending on your taste. Its seasoning (often with fennel, garlic, and red pepper) brings a signature “pizza parlor” flavor that permeates the entire dish.
2. Ground Beef (1 lb)
The ground beef adds a dense, savory richness that balances the bold flavors of the sausage and pepperoni. It also gives the casserole a “meaty bite” that meat lovers adore.
3. Pepperoni (1/2 lb)
What’s a meat lovers pizza without pepperoni? These iconic slices melt into the casserole, delivering spicy, smoky depth throughout.
4. Marinara Sauce (24 oz)
Use your favorite jarred marinara, or make your own if you have time. The sauce ties all the components together. Look for a version with bold tomato flavor and a hint of sweetness.
5. Mozzarella (2 cups, shredded)
The essential pizza cheese! Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish that quintessential cheese pull when serving.
6. Parmesan (1/2 cup, grated)
Adds a sharp, nutty complexity that balances the gooey mozzarella. A little goes a long way in boosting the flavor.
7. Penne Pasta (16 oz)
Penne’s ridges help trap the sauce and meat, making every bite flavorful. You can substitute with ziti or rigatoni if needed.
8. Green Bell Pepper (1, diced)
This adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. It’s a nod to the veggie toppings of classic pizza, and adds a welcome pop of color.
9. Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary rounds out the pizza flavor profile.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne in salted water until just al dente (about 8-9 minutes). You don’t want it too soft—remember, it will bake later and absorb more moisture. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meats and Bell Pepper
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the Italian sausage, ground beef, and diced green bell pepper over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, and stir occasionally to ensure everything browns evenly. Drain any excess fat once fully cooked.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Meats, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking dish, stir together the cooked pasta, the meat and pepper mixture, and the marinara sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture into a large greased casserole dish (a 9×13-inch pan works perfectly).
Step 5: Top with Cheeses and Seasoning
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. Finish with a dusting of Italian seasoning.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 7: Broil for a Bubbly Top
Switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes to get that irresistible golden-brown top. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 8: Cool Slightly, Then Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking—this helps it firm up and makes serving easier. Then dig in!
Make It Your Own: Customizations & Variations
One of the best parts about casseroles is their flexibility. Here are a few ways to customize your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
Add Veggies:
Sautéed mushrooms
Black olives
Spinach
Roasted red peppers
Try Other Meats:
Diced Canadian bacon or bacon bits
Chopped rotisserie chicken
Hot capicola for an extra spicy kick
Spice It Up:
Add crushed red pepper flakes
Use spicy Italian sausage
Drizzle with hot honey or chili oil before serving
Make it Lower Carb:
Substitute the pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or a cauliflower pasta alternative
Gluten-Free Version:
Use your favorite gluten-free penne and double-check that your marinara is gluten-free
Nutrition & Serving Info
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 generous portions
Calories per Serving: Approx. 520
This makes it a balanced dinner when paired with a fresh salad or steamed green beans. Each serving provides plenty of protein and fats to keep you full—perfect after a long day outdoors.
Perfect Occasions for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Game Night: Serve with garlic knots and cold drinks for a crowd-pleasing feast
Family Dinners: Kids and adults alike will be scraping their plates clean
Meal Prep: Make ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and reheat as needed
Potlucks: Transportable and easy to keep warm in an insulated bag or slow cooker
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish covered in foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Colorado Flavor, One Bite at a Time
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the kind of meal that makes you want to gather around the table, share stories, and go back for seconds. It captures the heart of Colorado cooking: no-fuss, big on flavor, and built for both appetite and adventure.
Whether you’re a mountain-town local, a city dweller in Denver, or just someone who loves bold, meat-forward comfort food, this casserole delivers. It’s also a great reminder that sometimes the best meals are the ones that stick to your ribs and make you smile with every bite.
So next time you’re craving pizza—or just need a dinner that’ll satisfy everyone from the pickiest eater to the biggest appetite—pull out this recipe and get cooking. It might just become a new family favorite.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a casserole—it’s a crowd-pleaser, a game-changer, and a little taste of home. From the sizzling sausage to the molten cheese, every bite is a reminder that comfort food still has a place in modern kitchens. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy a dish that’s every bit as bold and unforgettable as Colorado itself.