Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

If you love pizza but want something heartier, saucier, and made to feed a hungry family or crowd, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Packed with layers of pasta, marinara, cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef, it brings all the bold, cheesy goodness of your favorite pizzeria pie—baked into a comforting, satisfying casserole.

Perfect for potlucks, game days, or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole combines everything people love about pizza in an easy, make-ahead-friendly format. It’s rich, filling, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or feeding a table full of hungry friends, this is the kind of dish that gets requested again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pizza-Inspired Flavor: Like a supreme meat pizza, but baked and bubbling.

• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and layers of cheesy pasta.

• Perfect for a Crowd: Makes enough to feed 6–8 hungry people.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead, refrigerate or freeze, then bake.

• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings or adjust to fit dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• 12 oz (340g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work best)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Meats:

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef

• 1/2 lb (225g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)

• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon or chopped ham

For the Sauce & Cheese:

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped fresh basil

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

• Vegetables: Mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, or spinach

• Crust Alternative: Use cauliflower pasta or low-carb noodles

• Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar

• Extra Flavor: Add a spoonful of pesto or a sprinkle of garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite), about 1–2 minutes less than the package recommends.

• Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Meats

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes.

• Stir in garlic, then add the ground beef and sausage.

• Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking into crumbles as it cooks.

• Drain excess grease.

3. Combine Sauce and Seasonings

• Stir the marinara or pizza sauce into the meat mixture.

• Add Italian seasoning, and simmer on low for 5 minutes.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, meat sauce, half the pepperoni slices, and half the mozzarella cheese.

• Mix until well combined.

5. Layer and Bake

• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and extra pepperoni.

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

• Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden cheesy top, if desired.

6. Rest and Serve

• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Slightly undercooking it prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.

2. Use a Flavorful Marinara
The sauce brings everything together. Choose a brand with robust flavor—or make your own!

3. Balance the Meats
A mix of sausage, beef, and pepperoni offers texture and flavor variety without overpowering the dish.

4. Add Cheese in Layers
Mix some cheese into the pasta for melty richness throughout, not just on top.

5. Customize Like Pizza
Just like a pizza, you can add or subtract ingredients based on preference.

What to Serve with Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This casserole is rich and filling, so it pairs best with lighter sides like:

• Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or breadsticks

• Roasted or steamed broccoli

• Caesar salad

• Chopped antipasto platter

For dessert, a classic like chocolate chip cookies or vanilla ice cream with fruit makes a great finish.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Tips

• Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

• Let it come to room temperature before placing in a hot oven, or bake an extra 10–15 minutes.

Storing Leftovers

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

• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

• Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3 months.

• To cook from frozen: thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10–15 extra minutes if needed.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate – Based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 34g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g

• Sodium: 890mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on meat choice and cheese amounts.

Reader Reviews

“This casserole was a huge hit at our Sunday family dinner! I added mushrooms and it tasted like supreme pizza.”
— Amanda R.

“So easy and cheesy! Perfect for meal prepping and freezes great.”
— Mike L.

“We used turkey sausage and threw in some chopped spinach for a veggie boost—delicious.”
— Carla G.

More Comforting Casseroles to Try

If you liked this recipe, try one of these next:

• Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole

• Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

• Lazy Lasagna with Ravioli

• Baked Ziti with Sausage

• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Casserole

Each one is cozy, family-friendly, and perfect for making ahead or feeding a crowd.

Make Pizza Night Even Better

With this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, you don’t have to choose between pizza and pasta—you get both in one bubbling, cheesy dish. It’s comforting, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re serving it up on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is a sure-fire hit.

Turn Leftovers Into New Meals

One of the best things about this casserole? The leftovers are just as good—if not better—on day two. Reheat a slice for lunch, or get creative:

• Serve over a bed of arugula for a pizza-inspired salad.

• Use as a filling for stuffed bell peppers.

• Spoon over baked potatoes and top with extra cheese.

• Wrap in a tortilla for a “pizza burrito” on the go.

Don’t be afraid to reinvent it—this dish holds up beautifully.

Great for Freezer Meals and Busy Weeknights

If you like to stock your freezer with emergency dinners, this casserole is a dream. It freezes well both before and after baking. Make a double batch, enjoy one now, and save one for later. It’s a great solution for:

• New parents

• Back-to-school season

• Last-minute guests

• Meal trains and potlucks

Label, freeze, and pull it out when life gets hectic.

Make It Kid-Friendly (Or Not)

For kids, stick to classic meats like mild sausage, beef, and pepperoni—and go light on veggies or spice. Want to make it more sophisticated for adults? Try:

• Spicy Italian sausage

• Sliced prosciutto or pancetta

• Roasted red peppers or caramelized onions

• A drizzle of hot honey after baking

This casserole easily adapts to your audience and occasion.

Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Friendly

What makes this recipe even better is how affordable and pantry-based it is. Most of the ingredients—pasta, jarred sauce, shredded cheese, and frozen meats—are staples in many kitchens. It’s a smart way to feed a family or group without running to the store for fancy ingredients.

Make It Low-Carb or Gluten-Free

Looking for a lighter version? No problem:

• Low-carb: Swap the pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or low-carb pasta.

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free pasta and make sure your sauce and meats are gluten-free too.

Same bold flavor, adjusted for your dietary goals.

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