Description: This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole brings all the comforting flavors of your favorite pizza into a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, a medley of savory meats, and generous amounts of melted cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to prepare and customizable to your preferred toppings, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight staple.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1/2 lb pepperoni slices
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 cups mozzarella, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup chopped onion, red pepper flakes to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, begin cooking the penne pasta according to package directions. Aim for al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even heat distribution.
Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meats apart with a spoon as they cook, ensuring they cook evenly. Continue cooking until the meats are fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole. Use a spoon or a grease separator to remove as much fat as possible.
Step 3: Add the diced green bell pepper (and optional chopped onion, if using) to the skillet with the cooked meats. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bell pepper is softened slightly and the onion is translucent. Cooking the vegetables at this stage helps to release their flavors and ensure they are tender in the final dish. Avoid burning them.
Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmering the sauce enhances its depth and richness. Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, the meat sauce mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup). Mix everything together gently until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and cheese. This ensures that the pasta is evenly distributed throughout the casserole and that each bite is flavorful.
Step 6: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup), pepperoni slices, and grated Parmesan cheese. Arrange the pepperoni slices so they are evenly distributed across the surface. This creates an attractive and delicious topping that will become golden brown and bubbly in the oven. The remaining mozzarella will melt beautifully, creating a cheesy crust.
Step 7: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The edges should be slightly browned and the center should be hot.
Step 8: For an extra golden and bubbly top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The broiler will quickly brown the cheese and create a slightly crispy texture. Be sure to keep a close eye on the casserole as it broils, as it can burn very quickly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:
- Comfort Food Classic: It takes the beloved flavors of pizza and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole perfect for cozy nights in.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your favorite pizza toppings. Add mushrooms, onions, olives, or any other vegetables you enjoy. You can also substitute different types of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients makes this casserole a great option for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later, making it ideal for potlucks and gatherings.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbohydrates, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the familiar flavors of pizza, making this casserole a surefire hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, straight from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks are a great accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat for those who like it spicy.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better in the casserole.
- Drain the meat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings.
- If making ahead, cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables.
- To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Calories: 520 Protein: 35g Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is a delightful and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and comforting flavors, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is a winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza heaven in casserole form! The simplicity of the recipe coupled with its ability to be customized ensures that you can always create a variation that suits your specific tastes and dietary needs. It’s a great way to use up leftover meats and vegetables, making it an economical and delicious option for a busy family. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re preparing for a potluck or gathering. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in an even tastier casserole.
- Can I use different types of meat in this casserole? Yes, definitely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While the recipe calls for Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef, you can easily substitute these with other meats that you enjoy. Ground turkey, ground chicken, diced ham, bacon, or even shredded cooked chicken would all work well. Consider the flavor profiles of the meats you choose and how they will complement the marinara sauce and other ingredients. For example, if you use ground turkey, you might want to add some extra Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own unique meat combination!
- I’m a vegetarian. Can I make a vegetarian version of this casserole? Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply omit the meat and substitute it with vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers (all colors), onions, spinach, and olives are all excellent choices. You can sauté the vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the marinara sauce to soften them and bring out their flavors. You can also add vegetarian crumbles or plant-based sausage for a heartier vegetarian option. Tofu or tempeh, crumbled and seasoned with Italian spices, can also be a good meat substitute. Just ensure that the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness before assembling the casserole.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze this casserole, although the texture of the pasta may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can bake the casserole from frozen, but this will require a significantly longer baking time (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes).
- Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole? Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic choices for a pizza-inspired dish, you can experiment with other cheeses to create different flavor profiles. Provolone, fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious additions or substitutions. Consider the melting properties and flavor characteristics of each cheese when making your selection. For example, provolone will offer a slightly sharper and tangier flavor than mozzarella, while fontina will provide a creamy and nutty taste. You can also use a combination of cheeses to create a more complex and interesting flavor.
