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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining pasta, a medley of savory meats, zesty marinara, and a blend of melted cheeses to deliver the rich taste of a classic pizza in a comforting casserole form. Perfect for family dinners or game nights, it’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser packed with protein and satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Meats

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound crumbled Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Sauces & Seasonings

  • 2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes

Cheeses

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned meat mixture, pepperoni slices, crumbled bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray. Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
  7. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy a rich, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • Use any type of pasta you prefer; rotini holds sauce well.
  • For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes or add crushed red chili.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that the sausage and marinara sauce are gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: meat lovers pizza casserole, pizza casserole, pasta casserole, easy dinner, baked pasta, italian casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/meat-lovers-pizza-casserole-recipe/