Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you’re a fan of pizza and casseroles, then this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up you never knew you needed. Packed with layers of flavorful meats like ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, cheesy, and delicious meal. The combination of savory meats, a rich tomato basil sauce, and a cheesy topping makes this casserole an instant hit for dinner, parties, or anytime you’re in the mood for a pizza-inspired dish.

What makes this casserole even more appealing is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a comforting meal ready in under an hour. The best part? It’s completely customizable! You can switch up the types of meats or cheeses, add extra veggies, or even use a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole will quickly become a go-to dish in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Loaded with Flavor

Packed with savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni, this casserole has all the delicious flavors of a meat lover’s pizza in one hearty dish.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple to put together and requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute gathering.

3. Comfort Food at Its Best

With layers of cheese, sauce, and meat, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will fill you up and leave everyone at the table satisfied.

4. Customizable

You can easily swap out the types of meat, add more veggies, or use your favorite sauce, making this casserole adaptable to your personal taste preferences.

5. Kid-Friendly

Kids (and adults!) will love the cheesy, meaty layers of this casserole, making it a family favorite that’s sure to be requested again and again.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef (or any ground beef of your choice)
• Italian sausage (or your preferred type of sausage)
• Pre-sliced pepperoni (or a pepperoni log, sliced yourself)
• All-purpose flour
• Italian seasoning
• Tomato basil pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

• Veggie Lover’s Version: Add some bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat mixture to incorporate more veggies into the casserole.
• Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for an extra kick.
• Cheese Options: Swap the mozzarella for a mix of cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce and a gluten-free pasta sauce to make this casserole gluten-free.
• Add Pasta: If you want more of a traditional pizza pasta bake, toss in some cooked pasta to make it a full meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Meats

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the meat and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make a roux. Add the tomato basil pasta sauce and Italian seasoning to the pan, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked meat mixture, spreading it evenly over the bottom of the dish. Next, layer on the sliced pepperoni, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Lean Meat

For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or turkey. You can also opt for lean sausage to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Roux

The flour in this recipe helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy base. Be sure to cook it for a minute or two to avoid a raw flour taste.

3. Customize the Toppings

Feel free to experiment with different toppings. If you love olives, mushrooms, or onions, feel free to add them to the meat sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking.

4. Watch the Cheese

To avoid a greasy casserole, make sure to drain any excess fat from the meat before assembling the casserole. This will keep the dish from becoming too oily.

5. Let It Cool Before Slicing

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve

Serve this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed veggies for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a light soda. This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but adding a side dish can make it feel like a well-rounded dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole for later! After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, such as breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.

2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You can replace the meats with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian sausage or even a combination of mushrooms and lentils to mimic the meaty texture.

3. Can I add pasta to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can mix cooked pasta into the casserole for a pizza-pasta hybrid, making it even more filling.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can use cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan cheese instead of mozzarella for different flavors.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown. You can also check the center with a knife to ensure it’s heated through.

6. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

7. Can I use homemade sauce instead of store-bought?

Definitely! If you prefer homemade sauce, you can use your favorite tomato sauce or make a simple marinara from scratch for even more flavor.

8. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?

If you want to make a smaller batch, you can reduce the ingredients and bake it in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

9. How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you like things spicy, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy sausage. You can also top the casserole with hot sauce or chili peppers for extra heat.

10. Can I use pepperoni slices from a log?

Yes, you can slice your own pepperoni from a log if you prefer thicker slices or want to control the amount of pepperoni in the casserole.

Conclusion

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines all the delicious, savory flavors of a pizza with the comfort and heartiness of a casserole. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a gathering, or just craving a cheesy, meaty dinner, this casserole will hit the spot every time. Try it out tonight and enjoy the ultimate pizza-inspired comfort food!

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