Go Back

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

A hearty and filling casserole that combines the flavors of pizza with pasta, making it perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to prepare.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed)
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (roughly chopped if preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drain slightly if very juicy)
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in the pepperoni, pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat-and-sauce mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
  6. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers. Scoop and enjoy.

Notes

Use turkey or chicken sausage to lighten the dish, or choose a spicy sausage for more heat. Gluten-free pasta works fine; adjust cook time per package. Swap half the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a richer melt.