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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Hearty and cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  5. Cook the Macaroni: While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente.
  6. Drain the Macaroni: Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it well.
  7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and meat sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  11. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
  12. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add any optional toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives.
  13. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  14. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use leaner ground beef to minimize grease.
  • Cook macaroni al dente to prevent a mushy casserole.
  • Simmer the sauce longer for more developed flavors.
  • Optional toppings can be added to customize the casserole.
  • Can be made ahead of time or frozen for later use.
  • See “Tips and Variations” section for more ideas.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/meat-lovers-pizza-casserole/