If you’re looking for a dinner that combines everything you love about pizza with the convenience of a casserole, look no further than Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. This hearty and flavorful dish brings together all your favorite pizza toppings—ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon—layered with pasta, marinara sauce, and three kinds of cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love, perfect for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself to a hearty dish.
In this article, we’ll take you through every step of making this delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, with tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive into this cheesy, meaty, and absolutely irresistible casserole!
Why You’ll Love Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world, and this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is an even more indulgent version of your favorite slice. With pasta instead of the traditional pizza crust, it offers a heartier base that’s sure to fill you up. By using a combination of meats like ground beef, Italian sausage, bacon, and pepperoni, this casserole brings rich, savory flavors that make every bite a satisfying experience.
What’s more, the cheesy, bubbly topping of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan takes it to the next level. And let’s not forget the seasoned marinara sauce that brings it all together. This casserole is a one-pan wonder that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients to make your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
For the Casserole:
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12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
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1 pound ground beef
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1/2 pound crumbled Italian sausage
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1/2 cup pepperoni slices
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1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
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2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
These ingredients are packed with flavor and will create a layered casserole that’s rich, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.
Substitutions:
If you have dietary restrictions or prefer to switch things up, here are a few substitutions you can try:
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Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or penne.
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Meats: Swap the ground beef or sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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Cheese: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
The first step in making your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is to cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite, but not overcooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon as they cook. Cook the meats until they’re browned and no longer pink. Once the meats are fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can also cook the bacon in the same skillet, ensuring it’s crispy and crumbled before adding it to the meat mixture. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Add the marinara sauce (or pizza sauce) to the skillet with the cooked meats. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. The sauce should thicken slightly, making it perfect for layering in the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now that your pasta and sauce are ready, it’s time to layer your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
In the greased dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, top the mixture with pepperoni slices, crumbled bacon, and the three cheeses: mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole is piping hot.
Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it rests, and the cheese will set just enough to make serving easier.
Tips for the Perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so cook it until it’s just al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
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Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, opt for freshly shredded mozzarella and cheddar. Pre-shredded cheeses can sometimes not melt as well.
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Customize Your Meats: Feel free to add more meats or adjust the types you use. Consider adding ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even ham for a twist.
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Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes on top before baking or add more to the sauce.
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Add Vegetables: You can sneak in some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them before adding them to the meat sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole contains approximately:
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Calories: 500-600 per serving (depending on portion size)
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Protein: 30-35 grams
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Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
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Fat: 30-35 grams
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Fiber: 3-4 grams
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Sodium: 800-1000 mg
This casserole is rich in protein thanks to the combination of meats and cheese, making it an excellent meal for fueling your day.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, you might also enjoy these similar recipes packed with cheesy goodness and savory meats:
These recipes feature some of the same delicious ingredients and flavors that will satisfy any meat lover!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole high in protein?
Yes! Thanks to the generous combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, this casserole is packed with protein. Each serving typically delivers around 30-35 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and energy-boosting meal option for anyone needing a hearty, protein-rich dish.
Q: What is John Wayne casserole made of?
John Wayne Casserole is a Tex-Mex-inspired dish traditionally made with layers of ground beef, taco seasoning, biscuit dough or crescent rolls, sour cream, cheese, and vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. It’s known for its bold flavor and creamy texture—different from Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole but equally comforting.
Q: What is the best meat for Meat Lovers Pizza?
The best meats for a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole (or traditional pizza) are those with bold, savory flavors. Common favorites include pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, and ground beef. These meats offer a satisfying mix of textures and spice levels, creating a rich and indulgent taste that true meat lovers crave.
Q: Why do people like Meat Lovers Pizza so much?
People love Meat Lovers Pizza (and casseroles like this one) because it delivers a hearty, satisfying experience. The rich combination of meats, melty cheese, and robust seasonings offers deep, savory flavors and comforting textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes for fans of classic comfort food.
Conclusion
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the delicious flavors of pizza, wrapped up in a cheesy, pasta-filled casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just looking for a way to indulge in your love of pizza, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with savory goodness in every bite.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy this easy and indulgent meal tonight!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: A Hearty, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines all your favorite pizza toppings in one hearty, cheesy, and easy-to-make casserole. With layers of savory meats like ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, topped with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
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12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
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1 pound ground beef
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1/2 pound crumbled Italian sausage
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1/2 cup pepperoni slices
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1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
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2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the Meats: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Combine with Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
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Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine pasta with the meat sauce. Top with pepperoni, crumbled bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
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Bake & Serve: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
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For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
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You can substitute the pepperoni with any other favorite pizza topping like sausage, ham, or mushrooms.
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If you’re using gluten-free pasta, make sure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg