okay, let’s get into this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe that’s a winner at any party. Imagine combining the heartiness of your favorite meats and the classic flavors of pizza into one casserole.

This is a comfort food, crowd pleaser meal that combines the best of two worlds: the richness of multiple meats and the taste of pizza. With every bite you’ll get a mouthful of flavors, from spicy pepperoni to savory sausage, all topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce over pasta or rice for the ultimate casserole experience.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 lb pepperoni slices
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
24 oz pizza sauce
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb pasta (penne, fusilli or rigatoni work great), cooked according to package instructions
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper and garlic to the skillet with the meats. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta with the meat and sauce mixture. Add half the pepperoni slices, half the mozzarella and half the parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining pepperoni slices and cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set, making it easier to slice. Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Use Good Quality Ingredients: The foundation of a great Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the quality of its parts. Choose good quality meats for flavor and texture. Use fresh Italian sausage and lean ground beef that’s well seasoned. When it comes to the pepperoni, look for brands that have a little more heat to add depth to the casserole.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, cook it until just al dente so it doesn’t become too soft or mushy in the casserole. Texture contrast is key to a good bite.

Layering Matters: How you layer the ingredients can make a difference. Start with a layer of the meat and sauce mixture so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the pasta and meat evenly so every bite is uniform in taste and texture.

Browning the Meats: Browning the ground beef and Italian sausage is important. This caramelizes the meat and adds flavor to the dish. Make sure the meat is fully cooked and browned before draining the excess grease.

Let It Sit: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so the ingredients can set and it’s easier to cut and serve. This allows the flavors to meld together more.

Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. The Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper can all be adjusted. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.

Cheese: Mozzarella and parmesan are suggested but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend with provolone or asiago will add new flavors and textures.

Sauce Options: Traditional pizza sauce is recommended but don’t be afraid to try different tomato based sauces or add a spoonful of pesto for a twist.

Serving Ideas

Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is a great accompaniment to this casserole, for texture and to mop up any remaining sauce.

Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will cut the richness of the casserole. Try mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and a sprinkle of olives.

Roasted Veggies: Serve with a side of roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers or broccoli for a healthy add on.

Wine Pairing: A bold red wine like Chianti or Merlot goes well with the meaty flavors of the casserole.

Storage

Refrigerating Leftovers: Let the casserole cool completely then cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing for Later: This freezes well. Wrap in aluminum foil, then in freezer bags. Label with date and it can be stored for 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes if refrigerated or longer if from frozen. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave but the texture will be slightly different.

FAQs

Can I use other meats? Yes. While this recipe uses ground beef, Italian sausage and pepperoni, you can use other meats like ground turkey, chicken sausage or even bacon for different flavor profiles.

Is this gluten free? Yes, by using gluten free pasta and making sure all other ingredients are gluten free, including the pepperoni and sausage, you can make this gluten free.

Can I add veggies to this casserole? Absolutely! Adding veggies will add more flavor and texture. Try sautéing mushrooms, spinach or even artichoke hearts with the onions and bell peppers.

How can I make this less caloric? To make a lighter version use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, turkey sausage and low fat cheese. You can also increase the ratio of veggies to meat.