Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that wraps all your favorite pizza flavors into one bubbling, golden-brown casserole, then you’re in for a treat with this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe. Picture layers of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, pepperoni, sausage, crisp bacon, and a robust marinara—all baked together for a meal that satisfies every meat lover’s craving and makes weeknights something to look forward to. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or seeking a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings all the excitement of pizza night—and then some!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole is wonderfully straightforward, and each ingredient truly shines—bringing its own bold personality to the dish. From savory meats to melty cheeses, every bite of the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe promises warmth and flavor.

• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta: The perfect shape to soak up the hearty sauce and nestle all that cheesy goodness.
• 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, meaty depth that forms the backbone of the casserole’s flavor.
• 1/2 pound crumbled Italian sausage: Brings just the right amount of spice and aromatic herbs.
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices: Infuses the dish with classic pizzeria nostalgia and a pop of color.
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky and crisp, bacon offers quintessential “meat lovers” appeal.
• 2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce: The saucy base that pulls everything together—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that ties all the pizza flavors neatly together.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: That gooey, stretchy melt every pizza casserole (and eater) dreams of.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and an extra blanket of golden color on top.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty finish that crisps beautifully in the oven.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle aromatic kick you’ll taste in every mouthful.
• 1/2 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes: For those who love a gentle, warming heat to balance all that richness.

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start things off by cooking your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions. This gives the casserole the just-right texture, with sturdy noodles that won’t turn mushy during baking. Once they’re ready, drain the pasta and set it aside—you’ll soon be mixing it with all your favorite pizza fixings!

Step 2: Sizzle the Meats

In a large skillet, cook both the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage over medium heat. Stir and break up the meat until everything is browned and cooked through. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—it keeps the casserole from becoming greasy and lets the flavors shine through.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 190 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready when you are. A properly heated oven is key to achieving that gorgeous, bubbling cheese topping on your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe.

Step 4: Mix Together the Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked pasta, browned meats, pepperoni, crisp bacon, marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you love a little tingle of heat. Give everything a generous toss—this is where the transformation from separate ingredients to pizza casserole glory begins!

Step 5: Layer and Cheese It Up

Spread the hearty mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now for the best part—load on the cheeses! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the top for ultimate melty magic as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for melted, golden cheese and little pockets of bubbling sauce. That’s when you know your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is perfectly cooked and begging to be devoured.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Patience is a virtue, especially here! Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. This little rest helps it set up, so you get tidy, irresistible slices every time. Grab a spatula and serve up the goodness!

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

You can really make this dish pop with a few thoughtful garnishes—think freshly chopped parsley or basil for color, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little extra zing. These little touches add both eye appeal and an aromatic lift to every serving.

Side Dishes

The hearty nature of the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe pairs well with lighter, fresh sides. A crisp Caesar salad, a platter of roasted vegetables, or even classic garlic bread are perfect companions that add balance to the rich, cheesy entree without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

This casserole can be as fun or as fancy as the occasion calls for! Serve it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or spoon it into hollowed bread bowls for extra carb-loaded goodness. You could even set up a “pizza bar” where everyone sprinkles on their favorite toppings before baking individual portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any remaining Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate; it will stay delicious for up to 4 days. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing, which helps maintain its texture.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the baking time), or thaw overnight in the fridge first. Individual slices also freeze beautifully for easy lunch prep.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat slices in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep the cheese from toughening.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are ideal because their shapes hold onto sauce so well, feel free to swap in rigatoni, ziti, or even elbow macaroni. Just stick to similar cooking times for best results.

How spicy is this casserole?

The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is mild as written. The Italian sausage and optional red pepper flakes give a warm hint of spice, but you can dial it up or down depending on your taste. Want it hotter? Add more pepper flakes or use spicy sausage!

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but it’s easy to adapt! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check your sauces and meats for hidden gluten. With a few tweaks, everyone can dig into this hearty comfort bake.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole (minus the final layer of cheese), cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Simply add the cheeses just before baking. This is ideal for busy evenings or when entertaining guests.

What can I do if I want more veggies?

No problem—feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or even spinach. Stir them in with the pasta and meats for added color, flavor, and a sneaky way to boost the veggie content without sacrificing that classic Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe experience.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a group of hungry teens, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving something indulgently cheesy, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is a sure-fire hit. There’s something magical about sharing a bubbling cheesy casserole right from the oven. Give it a try—you’ll find this recipe becomes a regular request at your table!

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