Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
This hearty casserole layers classic pizza flavors—ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and melty cheese—over pasta for a delicious one-dish meal perfect for busy families and game nights.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Gives good flavor; leaner is fine if you drain more.
- 1 lb Italian sausage Bulk or removed from casings.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups pepperoni slices Or chopped for even distribution.
- 2 cups pizza sauce Store-bought or homemade.
Pasta and Cheese
- 3 cups cooked pasta Penne, rotini, or short ridged shapes work best.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and the onion is softened, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the pepperoni, pizza sauce, cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the pasta-and-meat mixture to the baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then scatter the cheddar.
Baking
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beginning to brown at the edges. For a crispier top, finish with 2–3 minutes under the broiler—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly.
Notes
Swap ground turkey for beef and/or use turkey sausage for a lighter version. Use marinara if you don’t have pizza sauce—add a pinch of oregano and a splash of olive oil. For a sharper finish, replace some cheddar with provolone or smoked gouda.