If you love the bold flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza but want something a little more filling and easy to prepare for a crowd, Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is your dream come true. This layered, oven-baked dish takes everything you crave—gooey cheese, savory meats, rich tomato sauce—and combines it with comforting pasta for a family-friendly meal that’s satisfying, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
In this article, we’ll walk through what makes this casserole a winner, how to make it step by step, tips for serving, and nutritional details to help you plan the perfect meal.
What Is a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is an irresistible fusion of pizza and pasta, designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It layers cooked pasta, seasoned tomato sauce, a generous mix of meats (think pepperoni, sausage, and bacon), and lots of melty cheese—then bakes it all to bubbly perfection.
Unlike pizza, which requires a crust and careful shaping, this dish is rustic, hearty, and easy to scale up. It’s great for feeding hungry families, potlucks, or prepping ahead for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), crumbled
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes. Drain excess fat.
4. Add sauce and seasoning: Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix with pasta: In a large bowl or the same skillet (if big enough), combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture.
6. Assemble the casserole:
Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Layer with half the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and scatter some of the pepperoni and bacon on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese, and meats. Finish with Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 1,100mg
- Fiber: 3g
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
- Garnish Smart: Sprinkle fresh parsley, basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for color and flavor contrast.
- Serve with Sides: Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. For parties, portion into ramekins or small bowls.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble fully, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Customization Ideas
- Add Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Try Different Meats: Use turkey sausage, ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for pasta.
- Spicy Lovers: Add jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, or spicy chorizo for a fiery kick.
Why You’ll Love It
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole hits that perfect sweet spot: cheesy, saucy, meaty, and endlessly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that disappears fast, earns rave reviews, and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to adapt, prep ahead, and reheat—making it a go-to for busy families and laid-back gatherings.
With bold pizza flavors and the comfort of pasta, this dish brings all your favorites together in one pan. No pizza dough required—just scoop, serve, and enjoy.
If you’re craving something cheesy and hearty that pleases a crowd, Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the perfect answer. It combines the best parts of pizza and pasta night into a single, stress-free recipe. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab your skillet and baking dish—it’s time to turn pizza night into something even more crave-worthy. Enjoy every meaty, cheesy, saucy bite!