If you love pizza night but want something extra hearty, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is about to be your new go-to dinner! Picture this: layers of gooey melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and all your favorite meaty toppings, baked to golden perfection in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. It’s the best of both worlds—pizza flavors with a pasta bake twist!
Think of this dish as the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with savory sausage, crispy bacon, spicy pepperoni, and juicy ground beef, all smothered in marinara sauce and bubbling cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a potluck, or just craving a cozy, indulgent meal, this casserole has you covered. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly!
And the best part? No need to roll out pizza dough! With just a few simple ingredients and a baking dish, you can whip up this cheesy, meaty, flavor-packed casserole in no time. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Easy & Quick: No kneading dough or waiting for it to rise—just assemble and bake!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The rich, cheesy layers with savory meats are pure bliss.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, swap meats, or go extra cheesy!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, freeze it, or enjoy leftovers the next day.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this pizza-inspired dinner!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Don’t worry about measurements just yet—you’ll find them all in the recipe card below!
- Ground beef – Adds a rich, meaty base and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Italian sausage – Brings extra seasoning and a slightly spicy kick.
- Pepperoni – That classic pizza flavor with crispy, slightly spicy bites.
- Bacon – Because everything’s better with crispy, smoky bacon!
- Pasta – Acts as the sturdy base to soak up all the meaty, cheesy goodness.
- Marinara sauce – The heart of the dish, bringing that signature pizza flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning – Brings all the classic pizza herbs together.
- Garlic & onion – Essential for adding extra depth and aroma.
💡 Ready to make this cheesy, meaty masterpiece? Find all the exact measurements in the recipe card below!
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Now let’s get to the fun part—assembling this irresistible, cheesy, meaty casserole! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner in no time.
🔹 Phase 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Cook the pasta: Boil your favorite pasta (like penne or rotini) in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking them apart as they brown. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, letting everything simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the bacon: While the sauce simmers, cook the bacon separately until crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
🔹 Phase 2: Assembling the Casserole
- Layer the pasta: Spread the cooked pasta evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the meat sauce: Pour the rich, meaty marinara sauce over the pasta, making sure it’s well distributed.
- Layer the cheeses: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add the toppings: Scatter crispy bacon and pepperoni slices over the cheese for that classic “meat lovers” flavor.
- More cheese, more love: Finish with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and a dash of Italian seasoning.
🔹 Phase 3: Baking & Serving
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Rest: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set.
- Garnish & enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor. Slice and serve warm!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Want to make this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole absolutely perfect? Follow these expert tips to take it to the next level!
- ⭐ Cook the pasta al dente: Since it will bake in the oven, slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy.
- ⭐ Drain the meat properly: After cooking the ground beef and sausage, drain the excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
- ⭐ Use high-quality cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents).
- ⭐ Go for crispy bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp before adding it to the casserole for the best texture and smoky flavor.
- ⭐ Let it rest before serving: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking so the layers hold together better when slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them for the best results!
- Overcooking the pasta: Boil it just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Skipping the grease drain: Failing to drain the meat properly can lead to an overly greasy casserole.
- Using too much sauce: While saucy is good, too much can make the casserole soggy—stick to just enough to coat the pasta!
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations to make this casserole your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra heat boost.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for added texture and flavor.
- White Pizza Version: Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce and use chicken instead of beef.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- BBQ Style: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and add smoked sausage for a Southern twist.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to make it even better, here are some perfect pairings and serving ideas.
Best Pairings
- Garlic Bread: A side of crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
- Side Salad: Balance out the richness with a fresh Caesar or garden salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for a nutritious touch.
Toppings & Garnishes
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before serving takes it up a notch.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Perfect if you love a bit of heat.
Drink Pairing
- Soda or Lemonade: For a family-friendly pairing, a bubbly cola or homemade lemonade works great!
Make Ahead & Storage
This casserole is fantastic for meal prep, and leftovers taste just as amazing the next day!
Can I Meal Prep This?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making this casserole!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While short pasta like penne or rotini works best, you can use shells, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni.
Can I make this casserole without pork?
Definitely! Swap out the sausage for ground turkey or chicken and use beef bacon or turkey pepperoni.
How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?
If you cover the casserole while baking, spray the foil with cooking spray before placing it over the dish to prevent sticking.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Replace the pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles to make a keto-friendly version.
There you have it—an easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or meal prep! With layers of gooey mozzarella, rich marinara, and all your favorite meaty toppings, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Whether you’re craving the taste of a pizza but want something extra hearty, or you need a simple dinner that’s sure to please, this casserole delivers big on flavor and comfort. Plus, it’s so easy to customize—swap the meats, add veggies, or make it keto-friendly. The possibilities are endless!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a homemade, better-than-takeout meal. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole Dish
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Base
- 12 oz penne pasta cooked and drained
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Meat Toppings
- 1/2 lb ground beef cooked and drained
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Cheese & Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cooked meats, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.