Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Pizza Fans

Few dishes bring as much joy to a table as a pizza loaded with meats and bubbling with melted cheese. But what if you could capture that same flavor-packed experience in a hearty, family-sized casserole? That’s exactly what this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole delivers—a dish that combines all your favorite pizza toppings into a cheesy, meaty, bake-and-serve masterpiece.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day feasts, this casserole takes everything you love about a classic meat-heavy pizza—pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and more—and layers it with gooey cheese and zesty sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that satisfies cravings without requiring you to toss a single dough ball. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a laid-back gathering with friends, this dish is destined to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Pizza night is always a hit, but sometimes you want something even more filling and fuss-free than making individual pies. This casserole hits all the right notes:

• All-in-one meal: Packed with protein, sauce, cheese, and even hidden veggies.

• Customizable: Easily swap meats or add your favorite pizza toppings.

• Great for feeding a crowd: Bakes in one dish and serves plenty.

• Family-approved: A hit with both kids and adults alike.

• Make-ahead friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when ready.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 24 oz jar of pizza or marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Additional pepperoni slices for layering

• Cooked sausage crumbles for garnish

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Optional Add-Ins and Variations

• Mushrooms or black olives for a supreme-style casserole.

• Canadian bacon or ham for an extra meaty touch.

• Low-carb version: Replace the base with roasted cauliflower or zucchini layers.

• Spicy twist: Use hot Italian sausage and add jalapeños.

• Cheese lovers: Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for added creaminess.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meats

1. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

2. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in crumbled bacon, pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

3. Spread half of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat layer.

5. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and top with the rest of the shredded cheeses.

6. Add extra pepperoni slices and sausage crumbles on top for a true “meat lovers” look.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up extra sauce and cheese.

• Over Pasta: Turn it into a baked pasta dish by serving it atop spaghetti or penne.

• With a Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp Caesar or garden salad.

• As Leftovers: Slice and reheat for a quick lunch or late-night snack.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual servings.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Serves 8:

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 38g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

• Net Carbs: 5g

This is a high-protein, low-carb dish ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

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Why This Casserole Works So Well

Traditional pizza is amazing, but this casserole offers several advantages:

• No dough needed: Makes it naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs.

• Packed with protein: Multiple meats deliver a hearty, filling meal.

• Layered flavors: Cooking meats with garlic, onions, peppers, and herbs infuses depth and aroma.

• Effortless to scale: Double the recipe for large parties or freeze half for future dinners.

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Make It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can personalize it:

• Add a veggie layer: Incorporate roasted zucchini, spinach, or eggplant between meat layers.

• Different sauces: Use spicy arrabbiata or a creamy Alfredo for a unique twist.

• Cheese swap: Try provolone, fontina, or smoked gouda for different flavors.

• Pizza seasoning: Sprinkle store-bought pizza spice mix over the top before baking.

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Cooking Tips for Success

• Drain grease well: To prevent a greasy casserole, thoroughly drain the cooked meats.

• Use fresh cheese: Shredding cheese from a block melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to cool slightly helps the layers set for easier slicing.

• Don’t skip the foil: Covering at the start keeps the cheese from burning while heating through.

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FAQs About Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, store covered in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.

What meats work best for this recipe?
Italian sausage, ground beef, bacon, and pepperoni are the classic combo, but you can use any cured or cooked meats you love.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Most kids love pizza flavors, and you can adjust spice levels to keep it mild.

Can I add vegetables without losing the “meat lovers” appeal?
Definitely. Peppers, onions, and mushrooms blend seamlessly with the meats, enhancing flavor without overpowering the dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives. It won’t be quite as melty but still delicious.

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Perfect Occasions for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This hearty dish shines at:

• Family pizza night when you want something less messy than multiple pizzas.

• Game-day gatherings as a filling main dish for hungry sports fans.

• Potlucks and neighborhood cookouts where you need a dish that travels well.

• Holiday weekend meals when feeding a large group without constant cooking.

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Final Thoughts

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything you crave in a pizza—savory meats, rich sauce, melty cheese—without the need for a crust. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but indulgent enough to impress guests. Plus, its low-carb profile makes it a great option for those avoiding traditional pizza dough.

From the sizzle of Italian sausage to the crispy bacon topping, every bite bursts with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone asking for seconds and eagerly claiming leftovers. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a family favorite that finds its way into your regular meal plan.

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Try It Tonight

Skip delivery, skip the dough, and dive into this cheesy, meaty, crave-worthy pizza casserole. Gather your favorite meats, pile on the cheese, and enjoy a slice of pure comfort food bliss. Share it with your friends, save it for your next pizza night, and discover why casseroles deserve a permanent spot on your dinner table.

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