Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole! It’s like all your favorite pizza toppings have thrown a party in a cozy baking dish, and trust me, it’s a party you don’t want to miss. I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were practically fighting over the last bite! The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella creates a flavor explosion that’s just heavenly. Plus, it’s such an easy recipe to whip up for a weeknight dinner or when you have friends over. If you’re a pizza lover like me, this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole is an absolute must-try! You’ll thank me later!
Ingredients for Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to whipping up this delightful cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: This adds a rich, hearty flavor to your dish.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: For that delicious, savory kick that every pizza lover craves!
- 1 onion, chopped: It brings a wonderful sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey goodness that makes this dish extra cheesy.
- 1 cup pepperoni slices: Because what’s a meat lovers pizza without pepperoni?
- 1 cup pizza sauce: This ties all the flavors together and adds a delightful tang.
- 8 ounces cooked pasta: I love using penne or rotini for those perfect little bites.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this adds that classic pizza flavor.
Make sure you have everything ready, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole! It’s super simple, and I’ll break it down step-by-step to make sure you get it just right.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is really important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and that cheese gets deliciously bubbly! Trust me; you want that perfect melt.
Step 2: Cook the Meats
Next up, grab a skillet and cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium-high heat until everything is nicely browned—about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to get that beautiful golden color. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat so your casserole doesn’t get greasy. A little tip: I like to push the meat to one side and tilt the pan to let the grease collect before draining.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together your cooked meat mixture with the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, cooked pasta, and half of that glorious mozzarella cheese. It’s a bit like a pizza party in a bowl! Stir it all together until everything is well coated and you can almost smell that amazing aroma coming together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to layer! Transfer your delightful mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and don’t forget to add those pepperoni slices for that classic touch. It’s all about creating that cheesy, meaty goodness on top!
Step 5: Baking Instructions
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden. I can’t tell you how amazing your kitchen will smell during this time—it’s like a pizza dream come true! Once it’s out, let it sit for a few minutes before diving in. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!
Tips for Success with Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
To make your cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite pizza toppings—think mushrooms, bell peppers, or even olives! They’ll add extra flavor and texture. If you want a little kick, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. Also, make sure not to overcook the meat; you want it browned but not dried out. When layering the cheese, don’t hold back—more cheese equals more gooey goodness! Lastly, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set up nicely for easier slicing. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole is not just delicious but also packed with a great balance of nutrients. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains roughly 450 calories. You’re looking at 25 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, it has a bit of fiber at 2 grams and 4 grams of sugar, which is pretty standard for a hearty dish like this. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients, but one thing’s for sure: you’re in for a satisfying meal!
FAQ About Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole is how versatile it is. You can totally mix and match your favorite pizza toppings! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even jalapeños if you like a little spice. The sky’s the limit! Just make sure to keep the proportions similar so that the casserole holds together nicely. I love experimenting with different flavors, and I bet you will too!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so delicious!), storing them is easy. Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat a portion in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s almost as good as the first day!
Can I use different types of meat?
Definitely! This casserole is super flexible when it comes to meats. If you’re not a fan of ground beef or Italian sausage, you can swap them out for shredded chicken, turkey, or even some diced ham. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so make sure everything is cooked through before mixing it into the casserole. Get creative with it—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and flavorful combination of meats and cheese that satisfies every pizza lover.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- One-dish wonder that makes cleanup a breeze.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Comforting and hearty—ideal for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal complete, consider serving this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the casserole. You could also add some garlic bread to the table for that ultimate pizza night vibe—who doesn’t love dipping warm bread into marinara sauce? For a little extra crunch, some roasted vegetables on the side would be fantastic, too! These additions will balance out the hearty casserole and create a delightful dining experience everyone will enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out this cheesy pasta casserole or this baked ziti with meatballs!
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Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: 5 Tips for Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole that combines all your favorite pizza flavors in one dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 8 ounces cooked pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion until browned.
- Drain excess fat and stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine the meat mixture with cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and pepperoni.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole
