First of all, thank you — truly — for stopping by today. Whether you’re here looking for a comforting weeknight dinner idea or you’re just someone who loves hearty, cheesy casseroles as much as I do, I’m so glad you’re here.
Today’s recipe is a full-on comfort food celebration: a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that brings together everything we adore about pizza — the savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce — and bakes it into a pasta-packed, crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s meaty, cheesy, saucy, and absolutely irresistible. I can’t believe how easy this was to throw together — and now it’s on regular rotation in my house!
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What Is Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: all your favorite pizza toppings — ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, melty cheese — layered over a base of pasta and marinara sauce, then baked until hot and bubbling.
This dish is like a pasta bake meets pizza night, and it’s just as good reheated the next day (maybe even better!!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein from four kinds of meat
- Cheesy and comforting, just like pizza should be
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters
- Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
- Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or game day
What Does It Taste Like?
Take one bite and you’ll taste the bold flavors of classic pizzeria meats: juicy ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and spicy pepperoni — all tied together with melty mozzarella and a zippy pizza sauce. The pasta base soaks up all that goodness and gives it structure, while the golden cheese on top gives you that perfect stretchy, cheesy finish. Honestly, it’s pure pizza heaven in a casserole dish.
Benefits of Making This Casserole
- One dish meal — carbs, protein, and cheese all in one pan
- Freezer-friendly — make ahead and freeze for busy nights
- Budget-friendly — feeds a family using simple ingredients
- Minimal prep time — less than 30 minutes to assemble
Ingredients You’ll Need
Meat Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Pasta Base
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Cheese Layer
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra pepperoni slices for topping
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for browning the meat
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil (optional for covering while baking)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage
- Veggie version: Omit meat and add mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers
- Add heat: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage
- More cheese options: Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on sauce and meats
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
1. Cook the Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pasta Base
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with pizza sauce.
- Stir in pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon.
- Make sure everything is well coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread pasta mixture evenly in the dish.
- Layer the cooked meat mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Finish with extra pepperoni slices on top (because why not?).
4. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Pizza Casserole
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic breadsticks or toasted baguette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli for balance
- A cold beer or sparkling soda for game day vibes
Tips for a Perfect Casserole
- Use sturdy pasta like rotini or penne — it holds up well
- Don’t overcook pasta — slightly al dente is best since it’ll bake again
- Drain meat well to avoid a greasy casserole
- Cover with foil if cheese browns too fast in the oven
- Double the recipe and freeze one for later
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or fully baked casserole for up to 2 months
- To reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until warmed through
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce?
Absolutely — just make sure it’s a good-quality, thick marinara for the best flavor.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives.
Will this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just be sure not to overcook it, as gluten-free pasta tends to soften faster when baked.
In Summary
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything we love about pizza, layered into a satisfying pasta bake that’s easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry crew. It’s cozy, cheesy, full of flavor — and honestly, it might just become your new family favorite.
No delivery required. 😉
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Nutrition (Approximate per serving – serves 6–8)
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 33g
- Carbs: 29g
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 890mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
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