If you are a fan of bold flavors and hearty meals, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is going to become your new favorite comfort food! Imagine all the best parts of a pizza rolled into one bubbly, cheesy casserole loaded with ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and that perfect Italian seasoning blend. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to wow your guests. Whether you’re craving that classic pizza vibe or just want an easy way to satisfy a serious meat craving, this recipe has you covered from the first savory bite to the last melty morsel.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each contributing a unique flavor, texture, or color that brings the dish to life. From the rich meats to the creamy cheese and the zesty tomato sauce, everything works together to build a perfectly balanced Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, juicy base flavor essential for the meat lovers experience.
- 1 lb pork sausage: Adds a savory, slightly spiced kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni: Brings that classic pizza edge with a bold, smoky taste.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to every bite.
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning (divided): The aromatic blend that ties all the flavors together with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce: A richly flavored tomato sauce that gives the casserole its saucy backbone.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, delicious layers that make every forkful irresistible.
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough: The golden, flaky topping that completes the pizza sensation.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: For brushing the crust, ensuring a gorgeous golden finish and added richness.
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty kick that provides an amazing crust crust complement.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425º F so it’s hot and ready. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray — this keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting this step right sets the stage for a perfectly crispy crust and easy serving.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no pink remains. The key here is to drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole. Once drained, return the meat to the skillet. This blend of beef and sausage builds rich flavor and hearty texture that’s the heart of the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni, Flour, and Seasoning
Stir in the chopped pepperoni, flour, and three teaspoons of Italian seasoning. The flour acts as a thickener for the sauce, making sure every layer of meat and sauce is perfectly packed and not watery. Continue stirring until everything is well combined, creating the saucy meat mixture that carries all the signature pizza flavors.
Step 4: Mix in the Tomato Basil Sauce and Assemble the Layers
Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, which helps it thicken and meld the flavors. Remove from heat and spoon this hearty sauce into your prepared pan. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella evenly on top—this cheese layer offers that indulgent gooeyness that makes pizza, well, pizza!
Step 5: Top with Pizza Dough and Additional Cheese
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and carefully place it over the mozzarella layer. Brush the crust with olive oil to help it brown beautifully during baking. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, the remaining ½ cup mozzarella, and the grated parmesan cheese on top. These finishing touches add flavorful depth and a crisp, cheesy crust that seals in all the meaty goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown crust and bubbly cheese edges, a sign that your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is ready to devour. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, then dig in!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a few red pepper flakes can elevate your casserole to the next level. These garnishes add a hint of freshness and a mild spicy kick that perfectly contrasts the rich, meaty layers.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. The crispness and acidity balance out the richness and make for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or use ramekins for a personal-sized treat. For a fun twist, accompany the casserole with garlic knots or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After indulging in this delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or a satisfying snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350º F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep that crispy crust texture and melty cheese sensation.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative, though keep in mind the flavor profile will be milder. You might want to add a pinch more Italian seasoning or garlic to boost the taste.
What if I don’t have refrigerated pizza dough?
No worries! You can substitute with store-bought pizza dough from the fresh section or even use pre-baked flatbread or naan for a unique take on the crust.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Yes, swap out all the meats for a flavorful mix of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, along with plant-based sausage or pepperoni alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your pasta sauce and sausage are also gluten-free.
How spicy is this dish?
The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe has a mild to medium spice level, primarily from the Italian seasoning and pepperoni. You can easily adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage if you like it hotter.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe enough for anyone who loves a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the best pizza flavors in one easy-to-make casserole. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a shining star in your recipe collection!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines all your favorite hearty meats—lean ground beef, pork sausage, and pepperoni—in a rich tomato basil sauce, layered with mozzarella cheese and topped with pizza crust for a delicious twist on classic pizza flavors baked into a comforting casserole.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
Cheese and Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Crust
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425º F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat well, then return the meat mixture to the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, all-purpose flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning until everything is well blended. Then stir in the tomato basil pasta sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spoon the hot meat and sauce mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare Pizza Crust Topping: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and carefully place it over the mozzarella cheese layer. Brush the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Make sure to drain the cooked meat well to prevent excess grease in the casserole.
- For added flavor, consider adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the meats during cooking.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat thoroughly before serving.
