Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole – The Ultimate Cheesy, Meaty Comfort Food

If you’re a fan of pizza and love hearty, cheesy casseroles, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole will blow your mind. It’s a deliciously rich, satisfying dish packed with pasta, savory marinara sauce, and an irresistible trio of meats — all baked to perfection under a layer of gooey, golden cheese. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for pizza and pasta lovers alike
Loaded with protein from beef, sausage, pepperoni, and bacon
Family-friendly and ideal for feeding a crowd
Easy to prepare and reheats well
Customizable – make it your own with your favorite toppings

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta:

12 oz penne or rotini pasta – short, ridged pasta holds sauce beautifully.

Meats:

1 lb ground beef – rich, savory base.
½ lb crumbled Italian sausage – adds bold, seasoned flavor.
½ cup sliced pepperoni – classic pizza flavor.
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon – smoky and crispy.

Sauce & Seasoning:

2 cups marinara or pizza sauce – choose your favorite or homemade.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – for that classic herbaceous Italian aroma.
½ tsp garlic powder – adds subtle depth.
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little heat.

Cheese:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – the ultimate melty cheese.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – for sharp flavor.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a salty, nutty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking since it will bake further in the oven.

2. Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Break them apart as they cook. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

3. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

4. Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned meats, pepperoni, bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything until well mixed and evenly coated.

5. Layer the Casserole

Pour the pasta-meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.

6. Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.

7. Let It Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut.

Pro Tips & Variations

Add vegetables: Try chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions.
Spicy twist: Use spicy sausage or add jalapeños. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Make it ahead: Assemble everything and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Low-carb option: Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 600
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 38g

Final Thoughts

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines everything you love about pizza and pasta into one irresistible, cheesy masterpiece. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or indulgent weekend dinners, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your kitchen rotation!