If you’re craving a dish that combines all your favorite savory meats with gooey melted cheese and comforting pasta, then you are going to absolutely love this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect fusion of classic pizza flavors layered into a hearty casserole, making it a surefire hit for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe brings together rich Italian sausage, ground beef, slices of pepperoni, and a luscious blend of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite feels like a warm hug from your favorite pizza joint, but in casserole form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for the incredible flavor and texture of this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the savory meats that create depth to the vibrant sauces that keep it saucy and delicious.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides rich, hearty flavor and a meaty base for the casserole.
- Italian sausage (1/2 lb, mild or spicy): Adds a bold, seasoned kick that energizes every bite.
- Pepperoni slices (6 oz): Brings that classic pizza element with spicy, crispy edges when baked.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Offers sweetness and a little crunch to complement the meat.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Pizza sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Core to that unmistakable pizza flavor; marinara can be a substitute.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds texture and fresh tomato brightness.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Earthy herb that enhances the Italian vibe.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Sweet and fragrant, rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle heat for those who like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- Cooked rotini pasta (2 cups): The pasta shape holds onto every bit of sauce and cheese beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Gooey, melty, and essential for that cheesy topping everyone craves.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty finish that complements mozzarella.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil ensures the casserole won’t stick and will make cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Build Your Sauce
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart with your spoon so it cooks evenly. Let it cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 8 minutes. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and everything smells amazing. Now stir in the pizza sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and the optional red pepper flakes. Season everything with salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes to meld all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to mix into the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the savory meat sauce, stirring until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Next, layer the pepperoni slices over the pasta mixture like you’re building a pizza inside a casserole. Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top. This layering creates that irresistible cheesy crust once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors marry. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a golden brown that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to allow it to set up a bit — this makes serving cleaner and easier while the flavors continue to deepen.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes really elevates the visual appeal and flavor profile. Consider topping your casserole with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. A few additional pepperoni slices on top can also add a pop of color and texture perfect for presentation.
Side Dishes
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, perhaps tossed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf rounds out the meal perfectly by soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil. Alternatively, you can add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers as layers to customize your casserole and add more color and nutrients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely after resting, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the casserole but do not bake it first. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed thoroughly and the cheese is melted again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, just be sure to cover to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While rotini works great because its twists hold sauce well, feel free to substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushy results after baking.
What if I don’t eat pork? Can I skip the Italian sausage?
Of course! You can omit the Italian sausage or replace it with other meats like ground turkey or beef sausage to suit your preferences without compromising flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s only as spicy as you make it. The red pepper flakes add a mild heat which can be left out if you prefer a milder dish. The Italian sausage can be mild or spicy based on your choice.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
While this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe centers around meat, you can swap the meats for plant-based alternatives or simply double up on vegetables and cheeses to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
From start to finish, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour including prep, cooking, assembly, and baking. It’s well worth the wait for such a comforting and flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table with smiles and full bellies. It’s playful yet comforting, hearty yet easy to prepare, and packed with all the rich flavors of a beloved pizza but served up in a cozy casserole form. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation as a new family favorite.
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and comforting Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that combines savory ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce with tender rotini pasta, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for pizza lovers looking for a warm, satisfying baked pasta dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
Toppings
- 1 package (6 oz) pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in pizza sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until evenly combined. Layer the pepperoni slices evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the entire dish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and turns golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra pepperoni or fresh basil if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute the rotini pasta with any preferred pasta shape such as penne or rigatoni.
- For a spicier dish, add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Make sure not to overcook pasta as it will continue cooking slightly in the oven during baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify the pizza sauce does not contain gluten.
