Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Looking for the best Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe? This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, pepperoni, pizza sauce, pasta, and loads of gooey mozzarella cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Packed with classic pizza flavors in an easy baked casserole, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, game days, or family dinners.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded with four delicious meats
Rich, cheesy pizza flavor
Easy make-ahead meal
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Ready in just over an hour
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 680 kcal per serving
Protein: 36 g per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the Casserole
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup pepperoni slices
12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
3 cups pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pizza Toppings (Optional)
Sliced black olives
Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Jalapeños
Garnish
Fresh basil or parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned.
Add:
Onion
Garlic
Cook for 3–4 minutes, then drain any excess fat.
Season with:
Italian seasoning
Oregano
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir the pizza sauce into the meat mixture.
Add the cooked bacon and half of the pepperoni.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
Spread half into the baking dish.
Sprinkle with:
1 cup mozzarella
Half the cheddar
Add the remaining pasta mixture.
Top with:
Remaining mozzarella
Remaining cheddar
Parmesan cheese
Remaining pepperoni
Add any optional pizza toppings.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Italian salad
Roasted vegetables
Mozzarella sticks
Breadsticks
Marinara sauce for dipping
💡 Chef’s Tips
Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become soft during baking.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
Add mushrooms, peppers, or olives for extra pizza flavor.
Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it hold together.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 680 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 1,240 mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken sausage, ham, or spicy sausage are great substitutes or additions.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or ziti all hold the sauce well and bake beautifully.
What sides go well with Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, green beans, breadsticks, or a fresh garden salad are excellent choices.
