Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

 

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food casserole, look no further than this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and loads of melty cheese, this dish delivers all the flavors of a loaded pizza in a hearty baked casserole.

This recipe is perfect for family dinner nights, potlucks, or game day gatherings. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and comes together in less than an hour. Whether you’re craving a cheesy pasta bake or a pizza-inspired casserole, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredient Overview

  • 1 lb ground beef – Provides a savory, hearty base.

  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage – Adds bold, seasoned flavor.

  • 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce – The tangy, rich base of the casserole.

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – Balances flavor and texture.

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Enhances pizza flavor.

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth.

  • 16 oz pasta (penne or rotini) – Holds sauce and cheese perfectly.

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Gooey and stretchy topping.

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds sharpness and flavor.

  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices – Classic pizza topping.

  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits – Smoky crunch.

  • Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta
Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown meat
In a skillet, cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, pizza sauce, and tomato sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble casserole
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat layers, topping with mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni slices, and bacon bits.

Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 8 servings)

  • Calories: 560

  • Protein: 34g

  • Carbs: 42g

  • Fat: 28g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 6g

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork? – Yes, it’s a leaner option.

  2. What pasta shape is best? – Penne, rotini, or rigatoni.

  3. Can I make it vegetarian? – Yes, swap meat for mushrooms and peppers.

  4. Can I prepare it ahead? – Yes, assemble and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking.

  5. Does it freeze well? – Yes, up to 3 months.

  6. Can I use homemade pizza sauce? – Absolutely.

  7. Can I make it spicier? – Add red pepper flakes or hot sausage.

  8. Can I add more veggies? – Yes, bell peppers, onions, or olives work.

  9. Can I double the recipe? – Yes, use a larger baking dish.

  10. Do I need to cover it while baking? – No, bake uncovered.

  11. Can I use gluten-free pasta? – Yes.

  12. What cheese works best? – Mozzarella for melt, cheddar for flavor.

  13. Can I use whole wheat pasta? – Yes, for more fiber.

  14. How long does it last in fridge? – 3–4 days.

  15. Can I reheat in microwave? – Yes, in portions.

  16. Can I reheat in oven? – Yes, at 350°F for 15 minutes.

  17. Can I use ranch seasoning for flavor? – Yes, for a zesty twist.

  18. What side dishes pair well? – Salad and garlic bread.

  19. Can I make mini versions? – Yes, in ramekins.

  20. Can I add extra cheese? – Always!

20 Helpful Tips

  1. Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.

  2. Drain meat well to prevent grease.

  3. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.

  4. Mix mozzarella and cheddar for flavor balance.

  5. Add parmesan for richness.

  6. Top with extra pepperoni before serving.

  7. Add Italian herbs for authentic flavor.

  8. Bake uncovered for bubbly cheese.

  9. Let casserole rest before slicing.

  10. Use cast iron for rustic presentation.

  11. Add diced mushrooms for umami flavor.

  12. Mix in spinach for nutrition.

  13. Layer cheese between pasta for gooey pulls.

  14. Serve with marinara for dipping.

  15. Add crispy bacon on top after baking.

  16. Use spicy sausage for heat.

  17. Make ahead for parties.

  18. Freeze in single portions for meal prep.

  19. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

  20. Always serve hot for maximum cheese stretch.

10 Storage Tips

  1. Store leftovers in airtight container.

  2. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

  3. Freeze baked casserole up to 3 months.

  4. Freeze unbaked for easy prep later.

  5. Wrap tightly with foil before freezing.

  6. Thaw overnight before reheating.

  7. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warm.

  8. Microwave individual portions.

  9. Add fresh cheese before reheating.

  10. Don’t refreeze after thawing.

20 Recipe Secrets

  1. Use fire-roasted tomatoes in sauce for depth.

  2. Add cream cheese to sauce for creaminess.

  3. Stir ranch seasoning into beef for bold flavor.

  4. Mix in red wine for richness.

  5. Use smoked mozzarella for extra flavor.

  6. Add fresh basil before serving.

  7. Use whole milk cheese for best melt.

  8. Top with fried onions for crunch.

  9. Add jalapeños for spice.

  10. Mix parmesan into meat sauce.

  11. Bake in cast iron for crispy edges.

  12. Use spicy pepperoni for kick.

  13. Stir in Alfredo sauce for creamier version.

  14. Add olives for pizza flair.

  15. Garnish with fresh oregano.

  16. Use three-cheese blend for variety.

  17. Add bacon crumbles on each layer.

  18. Make it double-cheese by adding inside and on top.

  19. Add Worcestershire sauce to beef for flavor depth.

  20. Rest before cutting to keep slices neat.

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