Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Looking for a hearty, meaty, and oh-so-satisfying dinner? Say hello to your new favorite comfort food: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole! It’s everything you love about pizza—cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon—baked into a deliciously cheesy, flavorful casserole. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for when you want all the flavors of pizza, but without the hassle of making a crust. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that’s so filling, you might have leftovers for days!

Trust me, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s going to disappear fast, so be prepared to share… or just keep it all for yourself. The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory sausage, crispy bacon, and melty cheese—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Packed with Flavor: You get all the savory goodness of a meat lover’s pizza, but in casserole form. It’s indulgent, cheesy, and meaty—what’s not to love?
• Simple to Make: It’s a no-fuss recipe with just a few basic ingredients that come together in one baking dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
• Customizable: Don’t like one of the meats? Switch it up! You can add or remove meats, veggies, or even extra cheese to make this casserole your own.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up? Yes, please! Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the deliciousness of this casserole:

Ground Beef: This is the base of your casserole, giving it that hearty, savory flavor.

Italian Sausage: Adds a bit of spice and a lot of flavor to the mix, giving that extra pizza touch.

Bacon: Because everything is better with bacon, right? Crispy, salty goodness that makes the casserole irresistible.

Pepperoni: Just like on a pizza! The pepperoni crisps up in the oven, adding a delicious bite to each spoonful.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is the key to making this casserole extra cheesy and comforting.

Pizza Sauce: A must for that pizza flavor. You’ll be layering this into the casserole to bring it all together.

Pasta: Most commonly, penne or rotini works best for holding all the sauce and cheese, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.

Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes bring all the pizza spices right into your casserole.

(Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Alright, time to get cooking! Here’s how you can make this hearty, meaty masterpiece:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden top.

2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions, but aim to cook it just a bit less than al dente. You want it firm because it’ll cook more in the oven.

3. Brown the Meat: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the Italian sausage, bacon, and pepperoni, and cook for a few more minutes until the sausage is browned and the bacon is crispy.

4. Add the Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the pizza sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

5. Mix the Pasta and Meat Mixture: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the meat and sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

6. Layer with Cheese: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese, and make sure it’s generously covered.

7. Bake to Perfection: Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

8. Let it Cool and Serve: Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you want to add a little pop of color.

9. Enjoy! Dish it up and get ready for a flavor-packed bite of pizza casserole heaven!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 620

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few ideas for sides to make it even more satisfying:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Crisp Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or even a side of sautéed spinach add some green to the meal.
• Pickles or Olives: If you want a little extra bite, serve some tangy pickles or olives on the side. They complement the richness of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a handful of jalapeños or sprinkle in some extra red pepper flakes.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra dose of veggies. They’ll blend right in with the pizza flavors.
• Reheat with Ease: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and make two casseroles. It freezes well too!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any short pasta works well—penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni are great alternatives.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Definitely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer or thaw it overnight and bake.

Q5: Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
A5: Yes, you can! Turkey or chicken sausage is a great substitute and will work just as well in this dish.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Of course! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Q7: How can I make this dish lighter?
A7: You can reduce the amount of cheese and use a lower-fat pizza sauce, or opt for a leaner meat like ground turkey in place of the beef and sausage.

Q8: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A8: Skip the meat entirely and add some hearty veggies, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even olives for that pizza-like flavor.

Q9: Can I make this in a smaller dish?
A9: Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time, as smaller casseroles will cook faster. Keep an eye on the cheese to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.

Q10: Can I add more toppings to this casserole?
A10: Absolutely! Feel free to top it with extra pepperoni, sausage, or even a drizzle of your favorite pizza sauce before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza—meaty, cheesy, and full of flavor—served up in casserole form. It’s simple, hearty, and totally satisfying, making it perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s totally customizable, so you can make it your own. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love!

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