Description: Imagine the best parts of a meat lover’s pizza, transformed into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole. This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole takes the classic flavors of Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef, blends them with hearty penne pasta, a rich marinara sauce, and generous layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or any occasion where you want to serve up a slice of Colorado comfort. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring that even beginner cooks can achieve a delicious and impressive result. Get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that merges the best of pizza and pasta into one unforgettable dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1/2 lb pepperoni slices, quartered
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (high-quality, your favorite brand)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (low-moisture, part-skim works well)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves
Preparation:
This recipe involves a few key steps to ensure everything comes together perfectly in the casserole. We’ll start by preparing the pasta and browning the meats, then combine everything with the sauce and cheeses before baking to golden, bubbly perfection.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness to the bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. A little trick to keep the pasta from sticking together is to toss it with a small amount of olive oil after draining.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meats apart with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through. Be sure to crumble the meat as it cooks, ensuring that there are no large clumps. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Removing excess grease is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meats. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and vegetables. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Simmering the sauce helps to deepen the flavors and allows the ingredients to marry.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, meat sauce, and pepperoni slices. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. The pepperoni adds a salty, spicy kick to the casserole that complements the other meats perfectly.
Step 6: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella provides a melty, gooey layer, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
Step 7: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. For the last 2 minutes of baking, you can turn on the broiler to get the cheese golden brown and bubbly. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or red pepper flakes, if desired.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is a guaranteed hit because it combines familiar and beloved flavors in an easy-to-make format. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The combination of hearty meats, flavorful sauce, and cheesy goodness is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this casserole is a surefire way to impress.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make a great accompaniment to the casserole. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- A side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, adds a healthy element to the meal.
- For a heartier meal, serve the casserole with a bowl of tomato soup or minestrone soup.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as olives, mushrooms, or onions, for guests to customize their servings.
Tips:
- For a spicier casserole, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To save time, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese and pre-grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you don’t have penne pasta on hand, you can substitute it with another type of pasta, such as rotini, ziti, or elbow macaroni.
- For a healthier casserole, use lean ground beef and turkey sausage. You can also add extra vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- To prevent the cheese from burning, you can tent the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. You can also add vegetarian sausage or ground beef substitutes.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 35g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800mg per serving
Conclusion
The Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its hearty combination of meats, flavorful sauce, and cheesy goodness, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is a surefire winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of Colorado comfort!
Five Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q2: I don’t have penne pasta. Can I use a different type?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute the penne pasta with other types of pasta. Rotini, ziti, elbow macaroni, or even bow-tie pasta would work well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
Q3: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: There are several ways to make this casserole healthier. You can use lean ground beef and turkey sausage instead of regular ground beef and Italian sausage. You can also add extra vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value. Using low-fat mozzarella cheese and reducing the amount of cheese overall can also help to cut down on calories and fat.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for longer storage. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, adding extra baking time if necessary to ensure it’s heated through.
Q5: What are some other toppings I can add to this casserole?
A: The possibilities are endless! You can add black olives, sliced mushrooms, diced onions, chopped tomatoes, or even pineapple for a sweet and savory twist. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or add a drizzle of pesto after baking for extra flavor. Feel free to get creative and customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences!
