If you’re a fan of Meat Lovers Pizza, you’ll absolutely adore this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole! This hearty, cheesy, and protein-packed dish combines all the flavors of your favorite pizza into a comforting baked casserole. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
In this 1000-word SEO-optimized article, we’ll cover:
What is Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for the Best Results
Variations & Substitutions
How to Store & Reheat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s dive in!
What is Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a deconstructed pizza baked into a delicious, layered dish. Instead of a traditional crust, it uses penne pasta as the base, topped with layers of pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. The result is a rich, meaty, and cheesy casserole that tastes just like a loaded pizza—but even easier to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour this dish!
✔ Easy to Make – No pizza dough needed—just layer and bake.
✔ Great for Crowds – Perfect for parties, game days, or potlucks.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well for leftovers.
✔ Customizable – Swap meats or cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1/2 lb pepperoni slices (divided)
- 1/2 lb cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and bell peppers (if using) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Add cooked pasta, followed by the meat mixture.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Add a layer of pepperoni and bacon.
- Top with the remaining cheese and more pepperoni.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly & Golden
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
🔹 Use al dente pasta – It won’t turn mushy when baked.
🔹 Drain excess fat from cooked meat to prevent a greasy casserole.
🔹 Add veggies like mushrooms or olives for extra flavor.
🔹 Let it rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
Variations & Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with mushrooms, bell peppers, and plant-based sausage.
Chicken Lovers: Use shredded chicken instead of beef/sausage.
Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or cream cheese between layers.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or jalapeños.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What can I serve with this casserole?
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for pizza enthusiasts! With its savory meat, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a party, this dish is quick, easy, and delicious.
Try it today and let us know how it turns out in the comments!
