Cheesy, Meaty, and Pizza-Packed—This Casserole Is a Slice of Heaven in Every Bite!
Craving all the flavors of a loaded meat lover’s pizza—without rolling out any dough? This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole has your name all over it. Juicy Italian sausage, savory ground beef, loads of pepperoni, and melty cheese are layered with pasta and marinara sauce in this crowd-pleasing, oven-baked dream. It’s hearty, cheesy, and exactly what dinner should be when you’re feeding a hungry crew. One dish, all the pizza vibes—no delivery required.
What You’ll Need (Serves 8):
For the Casserole:
1 lb Italian sausage
1 lb ground beef
½ lb pepperoni slices
24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite jar or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
16 oz penne pasta
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 green bell pepper, diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Boil penne in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside—don’t overcook, it’ll finish in the oven.
2️⃣ Brown the Meats:
In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage, ground beef, and diced bell pepper over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3️⃣ Combine Pasta & Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat mixture, marinara sauce, and half the mozzarella. Stir until well combined.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and a generous layer of pepperoni slices.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection:
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Serve It Up:
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Pro Tips for Pizza Casserole Perfection:
Make It Saucy: Like it extra saucy? Add an extra ½ cup of marinara or a splash of tomato paste for depth.
Customize Toppings: Add olives, mushrooms, or onions to match your favorite pizza combo.
Spice It Up: Toss in red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a kick.
Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead and refrigerate—just bake when ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
All Your Favorite Toppings: Sausage, beef, pepperoni—this one’s a meat lover’s dream.
Family-Approved Comfort Food: Picky eaters? Not with this cheesy crowd-pleaser.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats like a dream and even tastes better the next day.
One Pan Wonder: Pizza night, casserole style—less mess, more flavor.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
Calories: ~520
Protein: ~28g
Carbs: ~35g
Fat: ~30g
Fiber: ~3g
FAQ About Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Prep it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake as directed.
Can I add veggies?
Definitely! Mushrooms, black olives, or spinach work great. Just sauté them with the meat to soften first.
Flavor Twists to Try:
BBQ Pizza Casserole: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and add red onion for a smoky twist.
Supreme Style: Add mushrooms, olives, and a mix of meats for a full-loaded flavor.
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Version: Mix in cream cheese and jalapeños for a creamy, spicy surprise.
Breakfast-for-Dinner Spin: Add cooked crumbled bacon and scrambled eggs for a brunchy vibe.
Perfect For:
Big family dinners
Sunday meal prep
Potlucks and parties
Game day feasts
Satisfying those “pizza but make it pasta” cravings
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole – All the Flavor, None of the Dough!
This casserole is a meat-packed, cheese-smothered, pasta-loaded masterpiece that brings the best of pizza night into a bubbling, hearty bake. Slice, scoop, and savor every cheesy bite.
Made it? Snap a pic of your saucy, meaty masterpiece—tag us and show off your pizza pasta skills!