Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe: Family-Favorite Feast

Crafting the ultimate meat lovers pizza casserole brings comfort food to a whole new delectable level.

Every bite promises a symphony of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef create a hearty foundation for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Melted cheese blankets the robust ingredients, forming a golden, crispy top that beckons you closer.

Weeknight dinners or casual gatherings will never be the same once you introduce this crowd-pleasing marvel.

Packed with protein and bursting with classic pizza-inspired tastes, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Dive into a culinary experience that satisfies even the most demanding appetites and transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

FAQs About Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb for a unique flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pizza-like ingredients and casserole style makes it a hit with children and adults alike.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for several hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground meats, reduce the amount of cheese, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutrition.

What Makes Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole So Hearty and Delicious

• Devour Hearty Comfort: Packed with ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, this casserole delivers a protein-packed punch that satisfies serious meat cravings.
• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Combines pizza and casserole into one delicious dish, cutting down on complex cooking steps and reducing kitchen cleanup.
• Transform Pizza Night: Offers a creative twist on traditional pizza that brings excitement to family meals and keeps everyone eager to dig in.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Requires minimal prep time and uses familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

Ingredients Needed for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed foundation that provides rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
• Sausage: Adds extra depth and spiciness to the meat mixture.
• Pepperoni: Delivers classic pizza taste and additional meaty texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a classic, melty layer that gives the casserole its gooey pizza-like quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty accent to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Pizza Crust: Serves as the topping that mimics a traditional pizza's bread layer.
• Pasta Sauce: Offers a tangy, tomato-based foundation for the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy crust with a light sheen.
• Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings authentic pizza herbs and aromatic flavors to the dish.

How to Prepare Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet and return the meat to the cooking surface.

Step 2: Create the Meat Mixture

• Pepperoni
• Flour
• Italian seasoning

Stir ingredients until well combined. Pour in pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Base

Transfer the meat mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.

Step 4: Add the Pizza Crust Topping

• Remaining Italian seasoning
• Additional mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 425°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and serve hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Pro Tips for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Success

• Swap ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version of this hearty casserole.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free pizza crust and replace flour with cornstarch to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting easier without losing moisture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or gouda to create unique taste variations that complement the meaty base.

Variations to Personalize Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Spicy Meat Lovers Fiesta: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Veggie-Packed Power: Incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to boost nutritional value while maintaining the hearty meat base.
• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap pasta sauce with marinara, add crumbled feta, black olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Champion: Use cauliflower crust instead of traditional pizza dough, reduce cheese quantity, and add extra lean ground turkey for a lighter option.

Perfect Pairings for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select robust red wines like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complement the hearty meat flavors and cut through the richness of cheese and pepperoni.
• Craft Beer Match: Choose bold craft beers such as amber ales or dark lagers that stand up to the meaty, spicy profile of the casserole and enhance its savory notes.
• Side Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy casserole and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich dish.
• Beverage Contrast: Pour sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and add a refreshing element that cuts through the dense, meaty texture of the casserole.

Storage Recommendations for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Seal cooled casserole in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months; label container with date to track freshness.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe and delicious enjoyment.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole brings Italian-inspired comfort to dinner tables with layers of savory meats and melted cheese. Satisfying flavors merge perfectly, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) pork sausage
• 1 cup (150 grams) chopped pepperoni

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons (15 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (26-ounce) (737 grams) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 (13.8-ounce) (391 grams) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat loses pink color, then thoroughly drain excess fat.
3. Incorporate pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning into the meat mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
4. Pour pasta sauce into skillet and bring contents to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Transfer meat mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform layer.
6. Sprinkle 1½ cups mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture, covering the entire surface.
7. Carefully unroll pizza crust and place directly on top of the cheese layer, stretching to cover completely.
8. Brush pizza crust with olive oil, ensuring even coverage for a golden finish.
9. Dust the crust with remaining Italian seasoning, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until crust turns golden brown and cheese melts completely.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow casserole to set.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by using leaner ground turkey or chicken for a healthier protein option.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.
• Experiment with different cheese blends such as provolone or cheddar to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, use gluten-free pizza crust and replace flour with cornstarch or alternative thickening agents.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 603 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1218 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg