This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, flavor-packed dish loaded with layers of pasta, rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and plenty of savory meats. It delivers all the bold, comforting taste of a classic meat lover’s pizza in an easy, baked casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
Meats
- ½ lb 225g ground beef
- ½ lb 225g Italian sausage
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
- ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled (optional)
Sauce & Pasta
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 8 oz 225g rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained
Cheese & Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone optional
- ½ cup sliced black olives optional
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms optional
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the Meats
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned.
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Drain excess fat.
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Stir in pepperoni and bacon (if using).
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Season & Sauce
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Add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
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Combine with Pasta
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In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella.
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Assemble the Casserole
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Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and optional toppings on top.
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Bake
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Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Rest & Serve
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.