Can’t stop, won’t stop—I’ve made this recipe four times this month, and it’s still amazing! For all you meat lovers out there, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a game-changer. Imagine the hearty goodness of your favorite pizza but in a quick and easy-to-make casserole form that delivers all the flavors you love without the hassle of dealing with dough.
It’s packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce, creating a comforting dish perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Perfect for Meat Lovers: Loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ham, this casserole is a dream come true for meat enthusiasts.
Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep and brings together all your favorite pizza toppings into a convenient one-dish meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings—everyone will love the cheesy, meaty goodness.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with your favorite pizza toppings or make it lower-carb by swapping out the pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound of ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory base to the casserole.
1/2 pound of Italian sausage: Provides a burst of flavor and slight spiciness. Use hot sausage for a spicy kick.
1 package of pepperoni slices: Adds a classic pizza flavor.
1 cup of diced ham: Contributes a salty, smoky element to the dish.
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy, cheesy texture.
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and extra gooeyness.
1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce: Serves as the base sauce, adding a rich tomato flavor.
1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
1/2 cup of diced onions: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
3 cups of cooked pasta (penne or rotini works best): Holds the sauce and cheese well; use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option. You can also use bacon or pancetta instead of ham for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone or use a mix of your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other pizza toppings like mushrooms, black olives, jalapeños, or spinach for more variety and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Instructions: How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Vegetables: Add the diced onions and green bell pepper to the skillet with the meat. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, half of the pepperoni slices, diced ham, and half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining pepperoni slices and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few sides to complement it:
Simple Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan, and croutons pairs perfectly with this cheesy casserole.
Garlic Breadsticks: Serve with warm, buttery garlic breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a side of roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and color.
Comforting Sides: For a more indulgent meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a baked potato.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Place cooled casserole portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve for a fresh, hot meal.
Creative Variations
Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Loaded Veggie: Add a mix of mushrooms, spinach, black olives, and artichokes for a veggie-loaded version.
Cheesy Bread Topping: Top with buttered bread cubes or breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crunchy and cheesy topping.
BBQ Style: Swap the marinara sauce with BBQ sauce for a tangy, sweet, and smoky version of this casserole.
Final Note
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves pizza but wants an easier, quicker version to whip up on a busy night. It’s packed with delicious meats, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce, delivering all the best parts of a pizza in every bite. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, or just making it for yourself (no judgment!), it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Enjoy the delightful combination of cheesy, meaty goodness with each serving—and don’t be surprised if this dish makes a regular appearance on your dinner table. Happy cooking!
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 package pepperoni slices
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cups cooked pasta penne or rotini recommended
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain the fat.
- Add the diced onions and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, half of the pepperoni, ham, and half of both cheeses. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining pepperoni slices and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.