Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Craving a dinner that’s both endlessly satisfying and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe might just become your new weeknight hero. It’s a bubbling, cheesy celebration of everyone’s favorite pizza flavors — layered with three kinds of tender meat, tangy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Plus, it feeds a hungry crew with ease and fills your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of an Italian pizzeria. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just want leftovers for lunch, this casserole covers all the bases.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole is that every ingredient brings something special to the party! You’ll find that each element not only adds bold flavor but also a bit of crunch, creaminess, or that irresistible cheesy pull everyone loves. Here’s what sets this dish apart:
- Pasta: Go with penne or rotini for the perfect bite – their curves capture all the glorious sauce and cheese, ensuring every forkful pops with flavor.
- Ground Beef: This classic adds hearty richness and pairs beautifully with all the other meats.
- Italian Sausage: Its fennel-kissed, juicy crumbles are where some of that signature pizza flavor comes in.
- Pepperoni: The ultimate pizza topping, it infuses spicy notes and a bit of crispy texture on top.
- Bacon: Salty, smoky crumbles are an irresistible surprise in every bite.
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for a fresh, tangy base that brings everything together.
- Italian Seasoning: This mix of herbs gives a whisper of Old World charm and balances the richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty, and with that dreamy cheese-pull effect. It’s the main cheesy player.
- Cheddar Cheese: A pop of orange and a bold, sharp finish to complement the mozzarella.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty, it forms that crave-worthy golden finish on top.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory notes and deepens the pizza-inspired aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, don’t skip these! They lift the flavors and keep things exciting.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a big pot of water for your pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until just al dente, then drain it well. That perfectly cooked pasta is the hearty foundation that soaks up all the meaty, cheesy goodness later on.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Grab your largest skillet and toss in the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage. Cook them together over medium heat, stirring often so nothing sticks. The goal is to get everything perfectly browned — this step builds deep flavor. Once cooked through, be sure to drain off any extra fat so your casserole isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Next, fire up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celsius). By the time you’re ready to bake, it’ll be piping hot and ready to work its magic on all that cheese.
Step 4: Combine Everything in a Bowl
In a big mixing bowl, gently stir together your cooked pasta, browned meats, pepperoni, bacon, marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and (if you’re feeling bold) those optional red pepper flakes. Don’t skimp on stirring — you want every bite to get its fair share of meaty, saucy, cheesy flavor.
Step 5: Layer and Top
Pour your glorious meaty mixture into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Then, shower on the cheeses: first mozzarella, then cheddar for color and bite, and finally, a snowy finish of Parmesan. This trio is where the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe really shows off.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and turn lusciously golden brown — there’s nothing quite like pulling it from the oven at this stage. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so everything can set just enough for perfect slices.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley is lovely for a pop of color and freshness on top. Extra Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes will really bring those pizza vibes home. If you want to channel a true pizzeria experience, drizzle just a touch of olive oil before dishing it up!
Side Dishes
The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is rich and filling, so pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a zippy vinaigrette is perfect for balance. Crunchy garlic bread or a classic Caesar salad makes a complete meal that everyone will rave about. For something lighter, try roasted broccoli or sautéed greens alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace a family-style serving right from the casserole dish for laid-back comfort. Or, for a party, spoon portions into ramekins for individual servings with extra cheese on top for a melty finish. Want to impress? Arrange slices on a big platter and scatter fresh herbs for a festive look that wows guests at potlucks or holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe are the gift that keeps on giving! Cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors just get deeper and yummier with time.
Freezing
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dinner because it freezes like a dream. Assemble everything but don’t bake it yet. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual for a perfect, ready-to-go meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop single portions in the microwave until hot and melty, or cover a batch with foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating brings back that irresistible gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are perfect for holding the sauce and cheese, you can swap in rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli. Just make sure to cook it just to al dente for the best texture.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed (add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge).
What if I don’t like pepperoni or bacon?
No problem — the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is totally customizable. Feel free to skip, or swap in cooked chicken, ham, or even a touch of spicy chorizo for a twist.
Is there a vegetarian version?
For a meatless version, just load up on mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and extra cheese! Use plant-based meat alternatives for a convincing pizza casserole experience without the meat.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use two baking dishes, and you’ll have enough to feed a hungry crowd at parties or gatherings. Both casseroles can bake side by side in the oven for the same amount of time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup, give this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe a try. It brings the joy of pizza night to the family table in the form of a cozy, cheesy bake. Give it your personal spin, and don’t be surprised when it disappears in record time!
PrintMeat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe is a hearty and comforting twist on traditional pizza flavors. It combines pasta, ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and three types of cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Diabetic
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon optional red pepper flakes
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat mixture, pepperoni, bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour mixture into greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or include some chopped jalapenos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, Pizza Casserole Recipe, Pasta Casserole, Cheesy Casserole