Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

When pizza night meets hearty comfort food, something magical happens—and that something is the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. This dish is a bubbling, cheesy, meaty masterpiece that combines all the flavors of your favorite pizzeria pie in an easy-to-make baked casserole. Imagine layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, savory sausage, and smoky bacon all baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s indulgent, family-friendly, and the kind of dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, prepping ahead for busy weeknights, or just craving something decadent, this casserole delivers. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Pizza flavors + casserole form = guaranteed success.

• Customizable – Use your favorite pizza meats and cheeses.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

• Leftover Friendly – Tastes just as good (if not better) reheated the next day.

• Kid-Approved – The familiar pizza flavor makes even picky eaters happy.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together. Quantities are for a 9x13-inch casserole that serves 6–8 people.

Pasta Base

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent sticking)

• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

Meat Layer

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)

• ½ pound ground beef

• ½ cup diced pepperoni (plus extra for topping)

• ½ cup cooked bacon crumbles

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Sauce & Seasonings

• 3 cups marinara or pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds sharpness)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 8 ounces ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)

Toppings

• Sliced pepperoni

• Fresh basil or parsley

• A pinch of red pepper flakes

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Equipment

• Large pot for pasta

• Skillet for browning meats

• Large mixing bowl

• 9x13-inch casserole dish

• Foil (for covering during baking)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook pasta until al dente (slightly firm, as it will bake further).

• Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meats

• In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat.

• Break into crumbles with a wooden spoon until cooked through (about 7 minutes).

• Drain excess fat if necessary.

• Stir in diced pepperoni, bacon crumbles, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2 more minutes to let flavors mingle.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

• Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the meat mixture.

• Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer 5 minutes to let flavors blend.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Grease your casserole dish lightly with oil or butter.

• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture.

• Add half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese and stir.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• Pour half the pasta mixture into the baking dish.

• Spread ricotta cheese (if using) across the top.

• Add the rest of the pasta mixture.

• Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly.

• Top with sliced pepperoni and bacon bits.

Step 6: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

• Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

• Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

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Flavor Variations

• BBQ Meat Lovers – Swap marinara for BBQ sauce, add smoked gouda and caramelized onions.

• Spicy Supreme – Add jalapeños, hot Italian sausage, and pepper jack cheese.

• Veggie Boost – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives to balance the meatiness.

• Low-Carb Option – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

• White Pizza Casserole – Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara, with chicken, bacon, and mozzarella.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are some great pairings:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – For soaking up the sauce.

• Caesar Salad – Crisp, tangy balance to the rich casserole.

• Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus work well.

• Antipasto Platter – Olives, marinated peppers, and cheese for an Italian-inspired feast.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered leftovers for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Assemble Ahead: Put the casserole together (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

• Freeze Before Baking: Assemble, wrap in foil, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen (add 20–25 minutes extra bake time).

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Troubleshooting

• Too dry? Add extra marinara before baking.

• Not cheesy enough? Double the mozzarella layer.

• Cheese burning? Tent foil loosely over casserole while baking.

• Pasta mushy? Make sure to cook pasta only until al dente.

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Why It’s a Family Favorite

This dish combines everything people love about pizza—cheese, sauce, and plenty of toppings—but makes it heartier with pasta. It’s like a lasagna and a pizza had a delicious baby. Even better, it’s easier than making homemade pizza dough, and you don’t need any special equipment.

It’s also a lifesaver for busy families. You can make it ahead, keep it in the fridge, or freeze it for a night when cooking feels impossible. Just pop it in the oven, and in under an hour you’ve got a full meal that makes everyone happy.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. It’s savory, gooey, cheesy, and packed with all the meaty goodness that pizza lovers crave. Best of all, it’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or a weekend indulgence, this casserole delivers bold flavors and hearty satisfaction every time. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation—it’s that good.