If you love pizza loaded with meat and cheese, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is your new favorite comfort dish. Packed with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ground beef, this hearty casserole has all the flavors of a classic meat lover’s pizza but in a baked pasta form. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20-25 pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart. Once fully cooked, drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, then top with crumbled bacon, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta cheese between the layers.
- Veggie Add-In: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses for a more authentic pizza flavor.
- If you like a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks.
- Pair with a fresh Caesar salad.
- Drizzle with ranch or marinara sauce for extra flavor.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 38g
- Sodium: 1250mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Q: Can I freeze this?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or rigatoni works best since it holds the sauce well.
Conclusion
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, cheesy, and hearty dish that brings all the best flavors of a pizza into an easy-to-make baked pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!