There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, bubbling away in the oven. Picture this: layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce meld together to create a dish that’s like a warm hug from your favorite pizza. creamy cheese sauce The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a bite before it’s even served.
I vividly remember the first time I made this casserole for a game night with friends. There we were, surrounded by laughter, snacks, and the anticipation of cheesy goodness. As soon as I pulled it out of the oven, my friends’ eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with pals—trust me; you’ll be the hit of the party! For more inspiration, check out this Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and allows for endless customization based on your favorite toppings. Its hearty flavors will satisfy even the most ravenous appetites while looking stunning as a centerpiece at any meal. Plus, it’s great for leftovers or meal prep throughout the week! [/info_box]
I once served this casserole at a potluck and watched as everyone went back for seconds—pure bliss on their faces!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: Use penne or rotini for perfect sauce coverage that holds onto all the cheesy goodness.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep your casserole from being too greasy while still packing in flavor.
Italian Sausage: Opt for spicy or mild depending on how much kick you want in your casserole.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni adds that iconic pizza flavor; don’t skimp on this!
Green Bell Pepper: Fresh bell peppers add color and crunch; feel free to substitute with other veggies.
Onion: Sauté until golden brown for added sweetness and depth. bacon chicken tenders.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The more gooey cheese, the better; use whole milk mozzarella for maximum meltiness. spicy cheese ball appetizer.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle generously on top for extra flavor and an appealing golden crust.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil brings out those classic Italian flavors in every bite.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté vegetables beautifully without losing flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Gather all your meats and cheeses so you’re ready to roll.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil then toss in onions and bell peppers. Cook until they soften and get fragrant.
Cook the Meats: Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break apart with a spatula as it cooks until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Sauce and Spices: Stir in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer together until heated through and aromatic.
Combine Pasta: In a large bowl, mix your cooked pasta with the meat-sauce mixture. Fold gently so every pasta piece gets coated.
Layer It Up: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering for ultimate cheesiness!
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
And there you have it! Your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is ready to steal the show at dinner tonight! Enjoy each delectable slice loaded with flavors that remind you why pizza nights are so special. hearty casserole options.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a culinary hug. The aroma of sizzling meats and melted cheese will have your neighbors peeking through the window, wondering what’s cooking. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, it’s bound to be a hit! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meats first, then layer your ingredients in a baking dish for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] When making Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, always drain excess grease after browning meat for a less greasy dish. Use fresh herbs to elevate flavors; they add an aromatic touch that dried herbs can’t match. Don’t skip the cheese layering; it’s key for that ooey-gooey goodness. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this casserole for a game night. Everyone devoured it and kept asking for seconds; it was a fantastic moment of culinary triumph!
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat in my casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers are good in the fridge for up to three days.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty goodness of this casserole.
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Heaped with layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for game nights or family dinners. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles all around.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until softened.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with meat mixture.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mix followed by half of the mozzarella cheese; repeat layers.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
