![- 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 cup pepperoni slices - 1 cup diced ham The meat is the star of this casserole. Ground beef and Italian sausage bring rich flavors. I love using pepperoni and diced ham for added taste and texture. You can easily customize the meats based on what you like. Try turkey sausage for a lighter option or mix in some bacon for extra crunch. - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Onions and garlic make this dish aromatic and savory. I always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Italian seasoning adds that classic pizza taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Adjust these to your taste to create your perfect blend. - 1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Pizza sauce and diced tomatoes form the base of this casserole's flavor. I like to use both to give it depth. The mozzarella cheese creates a gooey, melty topping. Cheddar cheese adds a sharpness that balances the dish. Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses for a unique twist. - 4 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) Pasta is the backbone of this casserole. I prefer penne or rotini because they hold the sauce well. Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Fresh basil on top not only looks great but adds a burst of freshness. You can skip it if you want, but it’s a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this comforting dish! - Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. - Cook ground beef and Italian sausage: In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Cook over medium heat until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces. - Drain fat and add onions and garlic: After cooking, drain the excess fat. Then, stir in 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and clear. - Mix in remaining meat and sauce ingredients: To the skillet, add 1 cup of pepperoni slices, 1 cup of diced ham, 1 can of pizza sauce, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. - Combine with cooked pasta: In a large bowl, take 4 cups of cooked pasta (penne or rotini work best) and mix it with the meat mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta well. - Layering in the baking dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place half of the pasta and meat mixture in the dish. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over it. Then, add the rest of the pasta and meat mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese. - Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps keep the moisture in. - Remove foil and continue baking: After 20 minutes, take off the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Cool before serving: Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. - Browning meat properly: Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook them until they turn brown. This step adds a rich flavor to your casserole. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces with your spatula. - Enhancing sauce with spices: To boost the sauce, add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. The Italian seasoning brings warmth, while the red pepper flakes add a kick. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find the right balance. - Tips for cheesy goodness: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This combo creates a great texture and flavor. Layer half the cheese in the middle of the casserole. Then, add the rest on top for an extra cheesy finish. - Garnishing with fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and fresh taste. Just sprinkle some leaves on top before serving. It makes the dish look appealing and adds a nice flavor. - Pairing with side dishes: A simple side salad pairs well with this casserole. The freshness of the salad contrasts nicely with the rich flavors. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal. - Serving in stylish dishware: Use a bright, colorful dish to serve your casserole. A nice baking dish can make the meal feel special. Consider using a deep dish to highlight the layers of meat, cheese, and pasta. For more detailed steps on making this delicious casserole, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch out the meats in this casserole. Using turkey or chicken sausage makes it lighter. It still tastes great and keeps that savory flavor. You can also mix in different meats. Try bacon or ground turkey for new flavors. If you want a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms. They add a nice texture and taste without meat. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well in this dish. Zucchini noodles are another fun option. They cut carbs but still soak up all that sauce. You can also play with different pasta shapes. Shells, fusilli, or even farfalle can add a unique twist to your casserole. You can make this casserole even better with extra toppings. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or spinach. They not only boost nutrition but also add color. For cheese, try different blends. A mix of mozzarella and provolone can bring a new flavor. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes or use hot sausage. Adjusting the heat level lets you create a dish to fit your taste. After enjoying your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, let it cool down for about 30 minutes. This step helps keep the texture just right. Once cooled, cover it tightly. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil for this. For better storage, place it in a container with a lid. Glass or plastic containers work well and help keep the flavors fresh. When it's time to reheat, you have two main choices: the oven or the microwave. The oven works best for keeping that nice, cheesy crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid uneven heating. This helps keep the texture from getting too mushy. To freeze your casserole, make sure it is completely cool first. Then, cut it into serving sizes. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. After wrapping, place them in a freezer bag or container. This method keeps the air out and prevents freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to eat it later, make sure it cools down before putting it away. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Just prepare it, cover it, and place it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. This makes it a great choice for busy days or gatherings. You can use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. They work well and still taste great. If you want a meatless option, try lentils or mushrooms. These options can add flavor without meat. To make a vegan version, use plant-based meat substitutes. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers and spinach. Replace cheese with vegan cheese or simply skip it. Use a vegan pizza sauce for a complete dish. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Provolone, gouda, or even feta can add different flavors. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Just remember that the melting quality of the cheese matters for the best texture. This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines hearty meats, tasty veggies, and rich cheese. I provided each step to make crafting your dish easy. Remember, you can tweak ingredients to match your taste. Try different meats or pasta shapes for new flavors. Store any leftovers well, and reheat them for quick meals. This dish is fun to share, whether for family dinner or a get-together. Enjoy your delicious casserole and savor each bite!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b3e7e86a-0279-46c0-be01-c7560a357d98-300x300.webp)
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Satisfy your cravings with this Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that's packed with flavor! Featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and two types of cheese, this dish is a meat lover's dream come true. It's easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's both delicious and filling. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a slice of comfort today!