Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
When pizza cravings hit but you want something even more filling and satisfying, there’s one dish that delivers on all fronts: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Packed with layers of savory meats, melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and pasta, this casserole takes everything you love about pizza and transforms it into a bubbling, oven-baked masterpiece.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, planning a game-night dinner, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to please every meat lover at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
A traditional pizza gives you bold flavors in every bite, but a pizza casserole turns those flavors into a warm, cheesy dish that’s easy to serve in large portions. Imagine a lasagna-style bake where instead of ricotta and marinara, you get:
- Savory sausage for spice and depth
- Crispy bacon for smokiness
- Pepperoni for that signature pizza punch
- Ground beef for heartiness
- Ham for a touch of sweetness
- Cheese melted into every layer
The result? Pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a family-sized casserole:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 24 oz pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage and ground beef together until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Build the Meat Lovers Base
Add the cooked bacon, diced ham, and half the pepperoni slices into the skillet with the sausage-beef mixture. Stir in the pizza sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, then half the meat sauce, then a layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Top with the remaining pepperoni and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Tips for Success
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Go low-carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Switch up the meats: Add salami, chorizo, or even shredded chicken if you want extra variety.
- Cheese lovers twist: Add ricotta or cream cheese between layers for an even creamier bite.
Why Everyone Will Ask for Seconds
This dish is hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Every spoonful gives you the taste of a loaded pizza, with even more meat and gooey cheese than you could pile onto a crust. It’s easy to scoop, share, and reheat—making it perfect for big families, potlucks, or a weeknight dinner where leftovers are welcome.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a true meat lover, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines the bold, crave-worthy flavors of pizza with the soul-soothing comfort of a baked pasta dish. It’s filling, customizable, and downright irresistible.
Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s guaranteed to keep everyone around the table happy.
