Quick & Zesty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

My ultimate weekend comfort dish combines a mouthwatering meat lovers pizza casserole that’ll make dinner feel like a celebration.

Cheese melts into golden rivers across seasoned ground beef and crispy pepperoni layers.

Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for hungry crowds.

Weekend game nights demand something substantial and delicious like this amazing casserole.

Pasta noodles provide additional texture and substance to every single bite.

Deep flavors of classic pizza toppings blend seamlessly into one incredible baked creation.

You won’t believe how simple it is to throw together this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels totally gourmet.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the ground beef and sausage with other meats?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile while keeping the recipe’s core concept.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love pizza-style dishes, and this casserole combines familiar flavors in a fun, easy-to-eat format that children enjoy.

• How spicy is this meat lovers pizza casserole?

The recipe has mild seasonings from Italian seasoning, but you can adjust spice levels by choosing mild or spicy pepperoni and adjusting seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the casserole in advance, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve, making it convenient for meal planning.

What Makes Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole So Tasty

• Quick and Easy Comfort Food: Whip up this hearty casserole with minimal prep, perfect for satisfying hungry meat lovers with its delicious combination of ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Transform traditional pizza flavors into a filling casserole that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime exciting and stress-free.
• Versatile Weeknight Dinner Solution: Combine convenience and flavor with this one-pan dish that brings together classic pizza ingredients in a simple, no-fuss recipe anyone can master.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or add extra toppings to make this casserole uniquely yours, creating a personalized meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful base for the casserole.
• Sausage: Adds extra meaty depth and richness.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that brings spicy, savory notes.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, melty cheese that creates a gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances overall flavor.

• Pizza Crust: Convenient base that gives a traditional pizza feel.
• Pasta Sauce: Smooth and tangy sauce that holds the casserole together.
• Flour: Helps thicken the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic blend of herbs that adds classic pizza flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp and brown the pizza crust.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking to the pan.

Steps To Make Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 425ºF and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Brown The Meats

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until the meat is completely cooked through and no pink remains.

Drain excess fat and return the meat to the skillet.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Pepperoni
• Flour
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything until well combined.

Pour in pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a bubbling boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Add The Pizza Crust

Carefully unroll the pizza crust and place it on top of the cheese layer.

• Remaining Italian seasoning
• Additional mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Best Tips For Meat Lovers Casserole

• Expert Tips
• Remove excess fat by draining ground beef and sausage completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
• Select fresh ground beef and sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness in your casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or cheddar to create a unique and rich pizza casserole experience.
• Brush pizza crust with olive oil and sprinkle extra seasoning to guarantee a golden, flavorful top layer that's perfectly crisp and aromatic.
• Substitute ground turkey or lean meats for a healthier version without compromising the delicious pizza casserole taste.

Store And Heat Pizza Casserole Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Pizza Casserole Pairing Suggestions

• Elevate Pizza Casserole Pairing
• Boost flavor with a crisp, hoppy India Pale Ale that cuts through the rich, meaty casserole and complements its bold spices.
• Refresh Palate Partner
• Serve a zesty, chilled Caesar salad with extra cracked pepper and garlic croutons to balance the hearty casserole's intense flavors.
• Smooth Wine Complement
• Pour a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese red wine, whose robust tomato notes and slight acidity perfectly match the casserole's meaty, saucy profile.
• Rustic Side Accent
• Prepare garlic breadsticks brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs to soak up extra sauce and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the casserole.

Bold Versions Of Pizza Casserole

• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meat substitutes. Use vegetable-based pasta sauce and add extra mushrooms or bell peppers for texture.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Casserole: Swap regular pizza crust with gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust. Use gluten-free flour for thickening and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Pizza Casserole: Substitute pizza crust with zucchini slices or thin eggplant layers. Reduce pasta sauce and increase protein content with additional meats or cheese. Use low-carb marinara sauce.
• Chicken Lovers Pizza Casserole: Replace beef and sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken breasts. Add optional bacon bits for extra flavor and maintain similar seasoning profile.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole delivers classic Italian-American comfort with layers of pepperoni, sausage, and melted cheese. Quick weeknight dinners get an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing, protein-packed culinary creation perfect for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (1 lb) pork sausage
• 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Other Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a sizzling 425ºF and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat and return the meat to the pan.
3. Introduce chopped pepperoni to the meat mixture, then dust with flour and sprinkle in most of the Italian seasoning. Gently blend until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Pour pasta sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the meat. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then immediately transfer to the prepared baking dish.
5. Create an even layer of mozzarella cheese across the meat mixture, covering the entire surface.
6. Delicately unroll the pizza crust and drape it over the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Brush the crust with a light coating of olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning, additional mozzarella, and parmesan cheese across the top.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.

Notes

• Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef and sausage with turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier options.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Experiment with different cheese blends to create unique taste combinations, such as adding provolone or sharp cheddar alongside mozzarella.
• Use gluten-free pizza crust and replace regular flour with cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version of this comfort food casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg