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And today… we’re talking Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. A bubbling, cheesy, crave-worthy mashup of pasta + pizza + everything delicious. Anything but boring!!
Grab your fork—this one’s a keeper.
What Is Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Imagine your favorite meat lovers pizza—sausage, pepperoni, beef, gooey cheese—tossed with tender pasta and baked into a molten, bubbly casserole. It’s big-flavor comfort food that feeds a crowd without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A true family-pleaser
- Packed with hearty meats and loads of cheese
- Just 7 simple steps
- Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or game day
- Leftovers reheat beautifully
- Customizable with all your favorite pizza toppings
What Does It Taste Like?
Rich, cheesy, meaty, saucy goodness with a lightly crisp top and tender pasta throughout. The pepperoni gives it a salty, zesty punch, the beef and sausage make it comforting and filling, and the melted mozzarella ties everything together in glorious pizza-fashion.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Budget-friendly for feeding a crowd
- Kid-approved
- One-bowl mixing, one-pan baking
- Freezer-friendly
- Adaptable to whatever toppings you love
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb pepperoni slices
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Oven
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Add-Ins
- Mushrooms
- Black olives
- Red onion
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Extra cheese (always a yes!)
Substitutions
- Turkey sausage for Italian sausage
- Rotini or rigatoni instead of penne
- Pizza sauce instead of marinara for extra punch
- Part-skim mozzarella if you want it lighter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil penne until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meats
In a skillet, brown Italian sausage, ground beef, and diced bell pepper until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3. Combine
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Pasta
- Cooked meats + pepper
- Marinara sauce
Stir until everything is well coated.
4. Transfer
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
5. Top
Sprinkle with:
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Italian seasoning
Lay pepperoni across the top.
6. Bake
Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, until hot and melty.
7. Broil
Broil for 2 minutes for that perfect bubbly, golden top.
Serve warm and watch it disappear!
What to Serve With This Casserole
- Garlic bread
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Breadsticks
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
- Undercook the pasta slightly—it finishes in the oven.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for maximum melt.
- Add pepperoni on top and inside for double flavor.
- Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (assemble but don’t bake)
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through
General Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–27 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely—freeze unbaked for best results.
Can I make it spicy?
Add hot Italian sausage, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes.
Can I use other cheeses?
Provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend are all delicious.
Conclusion
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate hearty, cheesy, crowd-pleasing comfort dish—super easy, incredibly flavorful, and destined to become a family favorite. It brings all the joy of pizza night… but in a warm, bubbling baked pasta dish.
If you love casseroles, you’ll also want to check out:
- Cheesy Baked Ziti
- Supreme Pizza Pasta Bake
- Loaded Lasagna Casserole
Share & Pin!
Tried it? Leave a review and share your casserole pics on Pinterest—I LOVE seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 41g
- Fat: 27g
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