Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy mash-up of your favorite pizza and a comforting baked pasta dish. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and plenty of pepperoni, it’s smothered in rich marinara sauce and layered with melty mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner or party crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves a fully loaded, meaty pizza—no crust required!

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (about 4 cups) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

• ½ cup chopped pepperoni (plus extra for topping)

• ½ cup diced cooked bacon

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:
   Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the meat:
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

3. Combine sauce and meat:
   Stir in the marinara sauce, chopped pepperoni, bacon, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

4. Mix everything together:
   In a large bowl or the pasta pot, mix together the pasta and meat sauce. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella.

5. Assemble the casserole:
   Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar/provolone, and a few pepperoni slices for looks.

6. Bake:
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.

7. Serve:
   Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil if desired.

Optional Add-ins:

• Sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a supreme-style version

• Crushed red pepper or hot sauce for spice lovers