Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

I’m excited to share my Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole—a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed bake loaded with savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella that brings all the joy of a meat lovers pizza in cozy casserole form.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s comforting, filling, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. It’s got layers of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese that make every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead and bake when I’m ready to eat.

Ingredients

Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

• Pasta (penne or rotini works well)

• Olive oil

• Ground beef

• Italian sausage

• Pepperoni slices

• Pizza sauce or marinara sauce

• Diced onions

• Garlic, minced

• Italian seasoning

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• Mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté onions until softened.

4. I add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned, then stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

5. I pour in the pizza sauce, add half the pepperoni, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.

6. I toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella.

7. I transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.

8. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. I garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 6–8 servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add cooked bacon or ham for even more meatiness.

• I mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for a veggie boost.

• I use a blend of provolone and mozzarella for a richer cheese flavor.

• I make it spicy by adding hot Italian sausage and extra pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or warm individual portions in the microwave. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes—ziti, fusilli, or any short pasta works well.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes—I assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. I add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Do I have to use three types of meat?

No—I can stick to just one or two types, depending on what I have on hand.

Can I make it low-carb?

Yes—I swap the pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but a mix with provolone or cheddar adds extra flavor.

Conclusion

I love making Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole because it’s cheesy, meaty, and comforting—just like my favorite pizza, but even heartier. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish I can count on for family dinners, potlucks, or any night I crave pizza flavors in a baked pasta form.