Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: 7 Reasons to Love It

Name: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: 7 Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cups marinara sauce; 3 cups cooked pasta; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup sliced pepperoni; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

July 28, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, if you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, you’re going to absolutely love this meat lovers pizza casserole! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, packed with an incredible blend of flavors and proteins that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, zesty Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all mingling together with pasta and marinara sauce—yum! This dish is perfect for family dinners, game days, or just whenever you need that cozy feeling! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

meat lovers pizza casserole - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings and crumbled
1 bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups marinara sauce, your favorite brand works great
3 cups cooked pasta, preferably penne or rotini
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup sliced pepperoni, for that classic pizza flavor
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or more if you like it extra herby
Salt and pepper to taste, don’t skimp on the seasoning!

How to Prepare the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Alright, let’s dive into the delicious world of making this meat lovers pizza casserole! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece in no time. Just remember to enjoy the process—cooking should be fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want that casserole to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden on top.
While the oven is warming up, grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks—no one likes big chunks of meat in their casserole!
Once the meat is browned and no longer pink, add in the chopped bell pepper and onion. Cook them together until they’re softened—about 5 minutes should do the trick. Oh, the aroma of sautéing veggies and meat is just heavenly!
Next, stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. This step really helps all those flavors meld together!
Now it’s time to combine! In a large bowl, mix the meat sauce with the cooked pasta. Make sure everything is well-coated in that luscious sauce.
Take a baking dish and layer half of the pasta mixture at the bottom. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets a taste of that hearty filling.
Now, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni on top. Trust me, this is where the magic starts happening!
Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, and then finish it off with the rest of the cheese and pepperoni. You want that glorious cheese to be the crowning glory of your casserole!
Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden—oh, the anticipation!
When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This cooling time helps everything set a bit so you can serve it up without a messy disaster!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation—whip it up in just 15 minutes of prep time!
Easy to customize—add your favorite meats or veggies for a personal touch.
Packed with protein—perfect for satisfying those hungry bellies.
Full of flavor—each bite bursts with the taste of classic pizza goodness!
Great for leftovers—this casserole holds up beautifully in the fridge.
Kid-friendly—everyone loves the cheesy, meaty goodness.
Perfect for meal prep—make it ahead of time and reheat for busy nights.

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow home cooks, here are some pro tips to make sure your meat lovers pizza casserole turns out absolutely perfect every single time!

Don’t rush the browning: Make sure to brown the meat well; this adds depth of flavor. If you rush it, your casserole might taste a bit bland.
Use quality marinara: Since the sauce is a star player in this dish, choose a marinara that you love. A good sauce can elevate the entire casserole!
Cook pasta al dente: You want to cook your pasta just until it’s al dente. It’ll soak up some of that delicious sauce while baking, and you don’t want it to become mushy!
Customizing ingredients: Feel free to swap out the meats! Try adding diced ham, cooked bacon, or even some grilled chicken if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember to keep the flavor profile in mind!
Cheese options: While mozzarella is a classic choice, mixing in some provolone or cheddar can add a nice twist. Or even a sprinkle of parmesan on top for that extra gourmet touch!
Let it cool: Resist the urge to dig in right away! Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes helps it set, so you can serve perfect portions instead of a cheesy mess.
Make it ahead: Want to save time? Assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat—easy peasy!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering meat lovers pizza casserole that’s sure to impress!

Variations of the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

One of the best things about this meat lovers pizza casserole is how easily it can be customized to fit your tastes! Here are some fun variations to mix things up and keep your meals exciting:

Different Meats: Swap out some of the meats for your favorites! Try adding diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. You can also experiment with different sausage types, like spicy or sweet Italian.
Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the bell pepper and onion to soften them up.
Cheesy Goodness: While mozzarella is a classic, don’t hesitate to mix things up! Try adding provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bold flavor twist. A blend of cheeses can really elevate this dish!
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You could even use spicy sausage to amp up the flavor!
Herb Lovers: Want to enhance those Italian vibes? Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano right before serving. You could even sprinkle some Italian seasoning into the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor!
Different Pasta Shapes: While penne and rotini work beautifully, feel free to try different pasta shapes like fusilli, macaroni, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative. Just remember to cook it al dente!
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free as well. You won’t miss a beat with this delicious dish!

With these variations, you can make the meat lovers pizza casserole your own, ensuring it’s always a hit at the dinner table!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious meat lovers pizza casserole, you’ll probably have some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them so they stay just as tasty as the first time around.

First off, let your casserole cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Once it’s cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep everything fresh and make reheating a breeze!

You can keep your casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, if it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. If it’s just from the fridge, you can heat it up in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, pop a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat it up for about 1-2 minutes or until it’s heated through. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to keep it from drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your meat lovers pizza casserole again and again without losing any of that mouthwatering goodness!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this hearty meat lovers pizza casserole. It’s always good to know what’s going into our delicious meals, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving, which is about 1 cup:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 30g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use or any modifications you make to the recipe. It’s always a great idea to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of meat in the meat lovers pizza casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can mix it up with your favorite meats like diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken. Just be mindful of the flavors and spices, and you’ll create a delicious twist!

How do I store leftovers from the casserole?
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly if you’re freezing it!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This meat lovers pizza casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just pop it in the oven when you want to enjoy it—so easy!

What can I serve with the casserole?
This hearty casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. A simple side dish can really complement the flavors!

Why is my casserole watery?
If your casserole turns out a bit watery, it could be from excess moisture in the cooked pasta or veggies. Make sure to drain everything well before mixing it together, and consider reducing the amount of marinara sauce slightly if needed. You want that perfect cheesy, hearty texture!

For more delicious recipes, check out Cheesy Pasta Casserole for Kids or Baked Ziti with Meatballs!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.