Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Hearty. Cheesy. Packed with Flavor.

Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines everything you love about pizza in one delicious dish? This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the answer! It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—all baked to golden perfection.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals ahead for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this rich, satisfying recipe and explore tips, variations, and make-ahead options too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
1/2 lb pepperoni slices (cut in halves or quarters)
24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
16 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for greasing the baking dish

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente—firm to the bite. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Break them apart as they cook. Once they begin to brown, add the diced green bell pepper. Cook until the meats are no longer pink and the peppers are slightly tender. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Combine with Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir until well coated.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Add a layer of pepperoni slices. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, cheeses, and pepperoni. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Cooking Time & Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: ~520

Helpful Tips & Variations

Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
Add veggies: Mushrooms, onions, or black olives make great additions.
Make it low-carb: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Cheese options: Try cheddar, provolone, or smoked gouda for extra flavor.
Meal prep tip: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or bake covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is everything comfort food should be: warm, cheesy, filling, and easy to make. It’s a perfect mix of familiar pizza flavors and cozy pasta texture. Plus, it feeds a crowd, stores beautifully, and is endlessly customizable.