Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients:
For the base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work great)
Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
- 20-30 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled ham or Canadian bacon
- Optional: sliced black olives, chopped green bell pepper, or mushrooms for added flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the meats: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Pour in the marinara/pizza sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine with pasta: Stir the cooked pasta into the meat sauce mixture. Mix well.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half the pasta mixture into the casserole dish. Top with half the cheese and a few pepperoni slices. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top.
- Top it off: Add the remaining cheese, pepperoni, bacon, and ham. Add optional toppings if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.
🧡 Serving Tip:
Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full pizza-night experience—without the delivery!
