Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, rich pizza sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s an easy, hearty dinner packed with all the flavors of a meat lover’s pizza.Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 35 minutesTotal Time: 55 minutesServings: 8Ingredients12 oz penne or rotini pasta1 lb ground beef1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed if needed1 cup sliced pepperoni, divided1 small onion, diced3 cloves garlic, minced24 oz pizza sauce or marinara sauce2 teaspoons Italian seasoning¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided½ cup grated Parmesan cheeseSalt and black pepper, to tasteFresh parsley or basil, for garnishInstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.Cook the pasta in salted water until slightly firmer than al dente. Drain and set aside.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat into crumbles as it browns.Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.Drain any excess grease from the skillet.Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and half of the pepperoni. Season with salt and black pepper as needed.Add the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated with the meat sauce.Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with about 1 cup of mozzarella.Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni.Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbling.Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.NotesAdd cooked bacon or diced ham for an even meatier casserole.Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a spicy version.Provolone can be mixed with the mozzarella for extra pizza flavor.Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or black olives can be added for a supreme-style variation.Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become too soft while baking.Drain the cooked meat well to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.StorageStore leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in a covered baking dish until thoroughly heated.