Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: Prepare to ditch the delivery menu and dive headfirst into a bubbling, cheesy, meaty masterpiece! Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza night because this casserole is about to revolutionize your dinner routine. Imagine all the glorious flavors of your favorite meat lovers pizza, but transformed into a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings.

While the exact origins of pizza casserole are shrouded in mystery, its popularity likely stems from a desire to recreate the beloved pizza experience in a more convenient and budget-friendly way. Think of it as a deconstructed pizza, where all the best ingredients are layered and baked to perfection. It’s a celebration of simple pleasures and hearty flavors, designed to satisfy even the most ravenous appetites.

What’s not to love? The combination of savory meats, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible. Plus, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (12 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Brown the Ground Beef and Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a leaner ground beef to minimize the grease, but feel free to use whatever you prefer.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Incorporate the Pepperoni and Bacon: Stir in the chopped pepperoni and crumbled bacon. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The pepperoni and bacon add a wonderful smoky and salty flavor to the sauce.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. I usually let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

Cooking the Macaroni:

1. Cook the Macaroni: While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy casserole.
2. Drain the Macaroni: Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it well. I like to rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens!
3. Add Cheese: Add 3 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese to the macaroni and meat sauce mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. The cheese will make the casserole extra creamy and delicious.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and meat sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, bubbly, and cheesy topping.
6. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add any optional toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives. I sometimes add a sprinkle of extra pepperoni for good measure.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
2. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up slightly and make it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot and enjoy! This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread. It’s also great for potlucks and family gatherings. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Different Meats: Feel free to substitute other meats for the ground beef and Italian sausage. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced ham would work well.
• Add Vegetables: Add more vegetables to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni to make this casserole gluten-free.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Enjoy your delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole!

Conclusion:

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re craving that classic pizza taste but want something a little different, a little easier, and a whole lot more comforting, then this recipe is absolutely for you. We’re talking layers of savory meat, gooey cheese, and that unmistakable pizza sauce tang, all baked to bubbly perfection. What’s not to love? I know, I know, casseroles can sometimes get a bad rap for being bland or boring, but trust me on this one. The combination of ground beef, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon (yes, bacon!) creates a symphony of meaty goodness that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to throw together. You can even prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Talk about a lifesaver on busy weeknights! But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking. Not a fan of sausage? Swap it out for more ground beef or pepperoni. Want to add some veggies? Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even black olives would be fantastic additions. You could even throw in some cooked chicken or ham for an extra protein boost. The possibilities are endless! For serving suggestions, I personally love to pair this casserole with a simple side salad. The fresh greens and light vinaigrette provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread is another classic pairing that’s always a winner. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you could even drizzle a little bit of balsamic glaze over the top for a touch of sweetness and acidity. Another variation I’ve tried and absolutely loved is adding a layer of ricotta cheese between the meat and the sauce. It adds a creamy, decadent element that takes the casserole to a whole new level. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella is the classic choice, but provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all work beautifully. And don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano adds a pop of color and freshness. Red pepper flakes are a great way to add a little bit of heat. And if you’re a fan of Parmesan cheese, a generous grating over the top is always a good idea. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe rotation. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and let me know what you think. Share your photos, your variations, and your tips in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear about your experience and see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! Print