Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

There’s something so delightfully comforting about a dish that combines everything we love about pizza with the cozy warmth of a casserole. This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is that magical hybrid, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. You’ll find layers of savory ground beef and Italian sausage, bright pops of diced bell peppers, and ribbons of pasta all smothered in a rich marinara sauce. As the cheese melts into every crevice, you just know dinner is going to be a hit—especially when hungry family members start hovering around the oven. With just 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking, even beginners can pull off this hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal without breaking a sweat.

Beyond its delicious taste, this casserole brings people together. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that demands minimal hands-on time and rewards you with layers of gooey mozzarella, crispy pepperoni, and a golden Parmesan crust. Whether you’re serving it as the star of a busy weeknight dinner or as part of a festive buffet spread, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Plus, each generous slice clocks in around 600 calories, making it substantial enough to satisfy even the hungriest pizza lover. Gather your favorite spatula, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that truly brings everyone to the table.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN MEAT LOVERS PIZZA CASSEROLE

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole shines because of its simple yet robust ingredient lineup. Each component brings a unique texture or flavor, creating a harmonious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for dinner, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Here’s what you need and why each item earns its spot:

• Ground beef – Provides a juicy, meaty foundation that soaks up all the rich tomato flavors and seasonings.
• Italian sausage – Adds extra depth with savory spices and a hint of fat that keeps the casserole succulent.
• Onion – Offers a natural sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed, building complexity in every bite.
• Garlic – Infuses the sauce with unmistakable warmth and depth, elevating the tomato-and-meat combination.
• Green bell pepper – Contributes a mild, fresh crunch and vibrant color that balances richer ingredients.
• Red bell pepper – Brings a sweet brightness and extra pop of color to the casserole layers.
• Marinara or pizza sauce – Acts as the flavorful, tangy binder that ties together meat, veggies, and pasta.
• Dried oregano – Sprinkles in earthy, herbaceous notes reminiscent of classic Italian pizza.
• Dried basil – Lends sweet, floral undertones that complement the tomato sauce beautifully.
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish.
• Cooked pasta (rotini or penne) – Serves as the sturdy vessel, capturing sauce and meat in every twist or tube.
• Sliced pepperoni – Offers a zesty, slightly spicy pizza-topping vibe in each layer.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates that irresistible, gooey, stretchy texture we all crave.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Sprinkles on a sharp, nutty finish and forms a golden, slightly crisp topping.

HOW TO MAKE MEAT LOVERS PIZZA CASSEROLE

Creating this casserole is a straightforward process that any home cook can master. From browning the meat to layering flavors and melting cheese to perfection, each step builds on the last, ensuring a rich, gooey bake that’s bursting with savory goodness.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it sizzles—about 7–10 minutes.

3. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper in the same skillet until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.

4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes to meld all the flavors.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture, tossing until every noodle is well coated in that savory goodness.

6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta-and-meat mixture, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the sliced pepperoni and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Add the remaining pasta-and-meat mixture on top, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and pepperoni over the surface. Finish with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for a perfectly golden crust.

8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and soften the cheese.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, with a few golden-brown spots.

10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This short cooldown helps the layers set, ensuring each piece comes out neat and satisfying. Serve hot.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MEAT LOVERS PIZZA CASSEROLE

Elevating your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole experience isn’t just about the casserole itself—it’s how you present it alongside complementary sides and drinks. A well-chosen accompaniment balances the rich, cheesy main dish, adds fresh textures, and rounds out the meal into a memorable feast. Whether you’re plating for family dinner or sharing at a gathering, the right pairing will highlight the hearty, comforting flavors and make every bite shine. From crisp salads to crusty bread and clever beverage matches, these serving ideas will ensure your casserole is the star of the show and leave everyone eagerly reaching for seconds.

• Fresh garden salad – A crisp mix of baby greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness for a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic bread – Thick slices of crusty loaf brushed with butter, minced garlic, and parsley, then toasted until golden, provide the perfect dipping companion.
• Pickled vegetables – Offer a side of marinated olives, pickled peppers, or giardiniera for a tangy kick that brightens every cheesy mouthful.
• Beverage pairing – A bold red wine like Chianti or a crisp Italian lager complements the savory meats, while sparkling water with lemon keeps things light for non-alcoholic enjoyment.

HOW TO STORE MEAT LOVERS PIZZA CASSEROLE

Storing your leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole properly ensures you can enjoy every delicious morsel later without sacrificing texture or flavor. Whether you’re packing up portions for tomorrow’s lunch or stashing an entire casserole for a busy evening ahead, a few simple steps maintain freshness and keep that cheese just as gooey and that sauce just as savory. Below are tried-and-true methods for refrigerating or freezing your casserole, as well as best practices for reheating so it tastes just like the day you baked it. With these tips, you’ll never have to worry about wasted food or lackluster leftovers.

• In the refrigerator: Transfer cooled portions into an airtight container and store for up to 3–4 days. This keeps the casserole moist and prevents the cheese from drying out.
• In the freezer: Wrap the entire unbaked or fully baked casserole tightly in aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2–3 months—perfect for meal prep.
• Reheating (oven): Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole (covered with foil) on a baking sheet and heat for 15–20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5 minutes for a bubbly top.
• Reheating (microwave): For single servings, transfer a slice to a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking halfway through.

CONCLUSION

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines all the best elements of a classic pizza—savory meats, vibrant vegetables, tangy tomato sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese—into one irresistible, bake-and-forget dinner. From the moment you brown the ground beef and Italian sausage to the final resting period that lets the layers settle, each step is designed to be simple yet rewarding, making this a perfect beginner-friendly recipe. Total time from start to finish is a breeze: just 20 minutes to prepare, 40 minutes to bake, and a quick 5-minute rest before serving. With approximately 600 calories per serving, it checks the boxes for being filling, flavorful, and fun—ideal for weeknight family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal-prep adventures.

Feel free to print this article and save it for later use; tuck it into your recipe binder or pin it on your kitchen wall so you have it handy whenever pizza cravings strike. You can also scroll down to find a FAQ below for all your burning questions about substitutions, make-ahead tips, and reheating tricks. If you give this casserole a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your own twist, or ask any questions you might have. Your feedback helps everyone in our cooking community, and I’m always here to help you create delicious, home-cooked meals that bring joy to your table. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

Print Recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Author: Sophie Reynolds Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Calories: 600

Description

A savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni layered with pasta and gooey cheese, this casserole satisfies even the hungriest pizza lover in the family.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 3 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)

• 1 cup sliced pepperoni

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, oregano, and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture until well coated.
6. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta and meat mixture. Top with half of the sliced pepperoni and half of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Add the remaining pasta and meat mixture on top. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni on top. Finish with the grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot.

Note

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter version.
• Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or jalapenos.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers taste great and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: pizza casserole, meat lovers, easy dinner, hearty meal, pasta bake, cheesy casserole