Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

 Discover how to make the best Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole – a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed recipe with all your favorite pizza toppings baked into one irresistible dish.

Tools You’ll Need

To make this casserole with ease, have the following tools ready:

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large skillet for browning meats

• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

• 9x13-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)

• Foil for covering during baking

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this pizza-inspired casserole:

• 1 lb Italian sausage

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ lb pepperoni slices

• 24 oz marinara sauce

• 16 oz penne pasta

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the meats: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

4. Mix in marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Layer the casserole: Spread half the pasta in the baking dish, then top with half the meat sauce. Add a layer of pepperoni and diced green bell peppers. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers.

6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve hot: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess and stretch.

• Don’t overcook the pasta – it will finish cooking in the oven.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage if you love heat.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Vegetable lovers: Add mushrooms, onions, or black olives for extra depth.

• Cheese upgrade: Mix in provolone or cheddar for a richer flavor.

• Low-carb option: Swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 8 Servings)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fat: 25g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 980mg

Prep & Cook Times

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely – rigatoni, ziti, or rotini all work well.

Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Use ground turkey or chicken sausage and reduce the cheese for a lighter version.

Final Thoughts

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is more than just a recipe – it’s a family favorite waiting to happen. Cheesy, meaty, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights easier and gatherings more delicious. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation.