There’s something magical about a warm casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling the house with this intoxicating aroma of melted cheese, savory meats, and a hint of herbs. Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a hug for your taste buds, an adventure for your senses, and possibly the best thing to happen since sliced bread—or pizza, for that matter. chicken fillet with garlic sauce delicious hearty sausage soup Imagine layers of hearty pasta, a medley of meats like pepperoni and sausage, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce and topped with an ooey-gooey layer of cheese. savory Greek chicken burgers sweet potato casserole side dish It’s comfort food at its finest! For more inspiration, check out this Cajun Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls recipe.
You know that feeling when you’re starving after a long day and nothing sounds better than pizza? Now imagine taking that craving and transforming it into a cozy casserole that feeds a crowd—perfect for game nights or family gatherings. This recipe will surely become a staple in your home as it has in mine, bringing smiles and satisfied bellies every time it graces the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is effortless to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- It boasts unbeatable flavors that will have your taste buds dancing
- Visually appealing layers make it a showstopper on any table
- Versatile enough to accommodate any favorite pizza toppings you have on hand
The first time I made this dish, my friends were practically licking their plates clean and begging for seconds—definitely a sign of success!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Pasta: Use rotini or penne to hold onto all that cheesy goodness.
-
Ground Beef: An essential meat component; choose lean ground beef for less grease.
-
Italian Sausage: Adds depth with its flavorful spices; go for mild or spicy based on preference.
-
Pepperoni Slices: Because what’s pizza without pepperoni? Get the good stuff!
-
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought works wonders but homemade elevates the flavor to new heights.
-
Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have! Use freshly shredded for ultimate meltiness.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some on top before baking for added flavor.
-
Bell Peppers and Onions: Fresh veggies add crunch and sweetness; feel free to mix colors!
-
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that’ll transport you straight to Italy.
-
Olive Oil: Just enough to sauté your veggies and infuse flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Pasta: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Sauté the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. The sizzle is music to your ears!
Add Veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers and onions into the skillet; sauté until they soften and become fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until everything is coated in cheesy goodness.
Layer in Dish: Transfer half of this glorious mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese before adding the remaining mixture on top. Finish with one last generous layer of mozzarella.
Bake Away: Cover with foil (to prevent burning) and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—prepare yourself for an aroma explosion!
Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before serving—if you can resist! Enjoy each bite layered with flavors that scream comfort food while keeping everyone coming back for more.
You Must Know
- Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty dish that offers comfort and satisfaction
- The layers of cheese and savory meats create an aroma that will have everyone running to the kitchen
- Perfect for gatherings, this casserole guarantees smiles with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat first, then layer the ingredients for a perfectly cooked casserole. This ensures flavors meld beautifully and the cheese gets perfectly bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out meats or add veggies like bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Personalizing your casserole makes it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hit, use high-quality cheeses for rich flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning meat; this keeps everything juicy and prevents steaming
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving adds a delightful touch!
My fondest memory of making Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole was when my friends devoured it at our game night. Their laughter mixed with satisfied sighs made it a moment I’ll cherish forever.
FAQ
What types of meat work best for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Ground beef, pepperoni, sausage, and ham are excellent choices for layering.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day prior and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover the casserole with foil during baking to protect the cheese until near the end.
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, a hearty dish that combines layers of pasta, savory meats, and gooey cheese. This crowd-pleasing casserole is perfect for game nights or family gatherings, transforming your pizza cravings into a warm and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 oz pepperoni slices
- 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bell peppers (chopped)
- 1/2 cup onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Break meat apart as it cooks.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers and onions, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning; mix until well combined.
- Layer half of the mixture in a greased casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese, then add the remaining mixture and finish with another layer of mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Leave a Comment