Description
Meat lovers pizza casserole delivers a hearty culinary symphony of pepperoni, sausage, and melted cheese in one incredible dish. Packed with robust flavors and guaranteed to satisfy serious pizza cravings, you’ll devour every delicious, comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound Italian sausage
- 0.5 cup pepperoni slices
- 0.5 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup black olives (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by boiling in salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Eliminate excess fat through thorough draining.
- Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed and flavors meld together.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring even heat distribution. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create the first layer by spreading half the cooked pasta across the bottom of the dish. Top with half the seasoned meat mixture, distributing evenly.
- Arrange a layer of pepperoni and crispy bacon pieces over the meat. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: remaining pasta, meat mixture, pepperoni, bacon, and finish with a final abundant cheese topping.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden, melted, and slightly bubbling.
- Optional: Garnish with sliced black olives and red pepper flakes for additional flavor and visual appeal. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the layers.
Notes
- Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version that still packs flavor.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and streamlined during busy weeknights.
- Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 1054 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1370 mg
- Fat: 79 g
- Saturated Fat: 31 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 63 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg