Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe! Packed with layers of seasoned meats, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta, it brings together everything you love about pizza in a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving rich, cheesy goodness, this dish will win over kids, adults, and anyone who can’t resist a meaty, melty meal. It’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds, and once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—each of these ingredients is simple but brings something special to your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe. From sizzling turkey bacon to tangy marinara, every layer plays an important role in building maximum flavor, fantastic texture, and irresistible color throughout the casserole.

• Penne or rotini pasta (12 ounces): Both shapes catch the sauce perfectly and give the casserole a lovely, hearty chew.
• Ground beef (1 pound): Adds robust, meaty flavor for that essential pizza bite.
• Crumbled Italian sausage (1/2 pound): Brings a hint of spice and rich, savory notes, making every bite more exciting.
• Pepperoni slices (1/2 cup): Offers classic pizza zip and just the right amount of crispiness on top.
• Cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (1/2 cup): Infuses smokiness and crunch, intensifying the meaty experience.
• Marinara or pizza sauce (2 cups): The saucy, tangy backbone that unifies all the flavors and keeps things saucy.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Lifts up the tomato sauce with herbs, adding a traditional pizza aroma.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Ensures stretchy, melty cheese pulls in every serving.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharpness and depth to the cheesy top layer.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Finishes things off with salty, nutty goodness and a golden crust.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtly boosts the savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
• Optional red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle kick—adjust to suit your heat preference.

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your penne or rotini pasta according to the package directions. You want it al dente, so it stands up to the sauce and baking without going mushy. Once it’s cooked, drain well and set aside—no need to rinse, as a little starch helps the sauce cling.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble in the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until both are fully browned and no longer pink, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon as you go. Drain off any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from getting greasy but leaves all the savory flavor.

Step 3: Preheat and Mix

Crank your oven up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius) so it’s ready to cook. While it heats, grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the cooked pasta, your browned meat mixture, pepperoni,turkey bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and if you’re feeling spicy, the optional red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is evenly coated and wonderfully mixed.

Step 4: Assemble in the Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour in your combined mixture and spread it out with a spatula, making sure every corner gets some love. Now comes the fun part: topping! Sprinkle on the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan so you get those blissful cheesy bites in every forkful.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is done when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown along the edges. It should smell absolutely irresistible at this point!

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Don’t rush this step—let the casserole rest for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This sets the layers, making it easier (and neater) to slice and serve. Now, dig in and watch everyone go back for seconds!

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of pizzazz, scatter fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top right before serving. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes adds both color and flavor, turning the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe into a showstopper worthy of any table.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a crisp Caesar or garden salad, or serve alongside garlic bread for mopping up every drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, make for a colorful, refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this casserole as individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or let guests top their own servings with a build-your-own bar of fresh herbs, hot sauce, or extra cheeses. If you’re hosting a game night, cut the casserole into bite-sized squares and pass them around as hearty finger food—there’s no wrong way to show off your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer cooled slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days—expect the flavors to meld and become even deeper as it sits.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar. Just wrap the cooled, unbaked (or baked) casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Label, date, and freeze for up to three months. When a craving hits, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly—about 20 minutes if thawed, a bit longer if coming straight from the fridge. For individual portions, a microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating ensures the cheese remains melty and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Any short, sturdy pasta like ziti, rigatoni, or even shells will soak up the sauce and make a great base. Just avoid delicate pastas, as they tend to fall apart when baked.

What’s the best way to prep this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole right up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Toss in extra red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausage, or top with sliced jalapeños before baking. It’s easy to crank up the heat to suit your preferences with the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe.

Are there any good veggie add-ins?

Absolutely—chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or even olives make delicious add-ins without taking away from the meaty focus. Sauté them first to keep the texture just right.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy casserole?

Make sure to drain the pasta and meats thoroughly, and go easy on extra sauce if your marinara is thin. Letting the casserole rest before slicing helps set everything up for clean, satisfying servings.

Final Thoughts

If you love pizza and crave big, bold flavors, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is destined to become a favorite at your table. It’s warm, satisfying, and endlessly shareable—so gather your loved ones and treat them to a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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