Meatzza Casserole Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a hearty casserole and the pure joy of pizza night, the Meatzza Casserole Recipe is your flavor-packed solution! With a savory base that acts as both “crust” and protein punch, loaded with cheesy, saucy layers and a classic array of pizza toppings, this low-carb creation brings all the magic of pizza to your casserole dish. Prepare for a family meal that satisfies cravings, pleases picky eaters, and begs to be sliced into with extra enthusiasm!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatzza Casserole Recipe thrives on simple, everyday ingredients that work delicious wonders together. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to maximize taste, texture, and color, making every bite extraordinary!
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage): This forms your “crust” and delivers a rich, robust base for the casserole.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and a warm, aromatic note to the meat blend.
- Onion powder: Heightens sweetness and rounds out savory flavors without the prep work of fresh onions.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses that classic pizzeria flair into the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—add more if you love spice!
- Salt: Essential for brightening and balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Provides gentle warmth and complexity to every bite.
- Pizza sauce: Tangy, herby, and never skippable—this ties the entire casserole together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star melter, stretching over every inch and bringing those dreamy cheese pulls!
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty oomph and an unbeatable golden topping.
- Sliced pepperoni: Adds bursts of spicy, meaty flavor throughout the casserole.
- Sliced mushrooms: Earthy, tender, and the perfect complement to all that cheese.
- Sliced black olives: Salty and bold, they lend a briny pop and great color.
- Diced green bell pepper: Fresh, crisp, and vibrant for beautiful flavor and color.
- Diced onion: Gentle sweetness and aromatics to round out your veggie toppings.
- Fresh basil (optional): The perfect final flourish—a sprinkle gives everything freshness and that irresistible aroma!
How to Make Meatzza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create that ideal hot environment for bubbling cheese and a beautifully browned “crust.” While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps sticking to a minimum and ensures easy serving later on.
Step 2: Mix and Press the Meat “Crust”
In a large bowl, combine your ground beef (or beef and Italian sausage blend) with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. With your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix thoroughly—this is your flavor foundation! Press the seasoned mixture evenly into your prepared dish, building a uniform “crust” layer across the base.
Step 3: Bake and Drain the Meat Base
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The meat will firm up, release juices, and start smelling incredible. Carefully drain off any excess grease—this keeps the casserole from getting soggy and lets the toppings shine.
Step 4: Layer on the Pizza Sauce
Once the meat base is cooked and drained, spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top. Go edge to edge so every bite is saucy and flavorful—this step infuses the casserole with that unmistakable pizza character!
Step 5: Top with Cheeses and Classic Toppings
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauced meat, followed by the shredded Parmesan for that golden, bubbly finish. Next, artfully arrange the pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, diced green bell pepper, and onion over the cheese so every forkful offers the perfect combo of tastes and textures.
Step 6: Final Bake Until Gooey and Golden
Return the loaded casserole to the oven and bake for another 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly. The edges should be lightly golden and the aromas absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, shower the finished casserole with torn fresh basil for a pop of color and herbaceous flair. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into generous squares—get ready for a table full of happy faces!
How to Serve Meatzza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of the Meatzza Casserole Recipe is in those final touches. Fresh basil, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or a quick drizzle of garlic oil instantly make it restaurant-worthy. These small additions brighten up the hearty flavors and add a touch of elegance to your plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is bold and satisfying, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides—a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even garlic knots for a true pizza-inspired spread! If you’re keeping it low carb, a mix of roasted broccoli or a tangy cucumber salad keeps things fresh and light alongside each cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Meatzza Casserole Recipe into a party centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins or muffin tins for mini meatzzas! Or cut the baked casserole into squares and skewer them for a playful, appetizer-style twist. For family weeknights, simply serve bubbling from the baking dish with extra napkins—no fuss needed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Meatzza Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully! Once fully cooled, simply cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to three days, making tomorrow’s lunch an exciting treat.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer-friendly dream. After baking and cooling, slice the casserole, wrap in foil or waxed paper, and transfer pieces to a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep for up to two months—just be sure to label for easy grab-and-go dinners!
Reheating
To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for best results, baking until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For a speedy lunch, the microwave also works—just cover loosely with a damp paper towel and heat in short increments to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ground meat in this Meatzza Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a combo with Italian sausage. Each option brings its own flavor—just remember leaner meats may release less fat, which can make the casserole a bit firmer after baking.
Is this casserole keto and gluten free?
Yes, the Meatzza Casserole Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and gluten free, making it a fantastic choice for keto, low-carb, or gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing any of that pizza joy.
Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely—just like with pizza, the sky’s the limit! Add your favorites like jalapeños for spice, sun-dried tomatoes for tang, or cooked sausage and spinach for extra goodness. Make it your own masterpiece every single time.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
Draining the meat base thoroughly after the first bake is key! Also, avoid using wet toppings (like fresh tomatoes) or pat them dry before adding. This keeps the “crust” firm and the casserole easy to slice and serve.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Bake it ahead, cut into servings, and enjoy quick meals all week. You can warm up individual pieces as needed, so dinner is always just a few minutes away—especially handy for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a meal that turns a weeknight into a celebration, the Meatzza Casserole Recipe is your answer. It’s comforting, customizable, and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try, share it with friends, and enjoy all the cheesy, meaty joy this dish delivers!
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Meatzza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Meatzza Casserole Recipe is a low-carb, gluten-free twist on a classic pizza, featuring a flavorful meat crust topped with all your favorite pizza toppings. Cheesy, savory, and satisfying, it’s a perfect family-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
Meat Crust:
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 1½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
Garnish:
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Meat Crust: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Press mixture into the baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 15–20 minutes and drain excess grease.
- Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce over the cooked crust. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell pepper, and onion.
- Bake Again: Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with basil, if desired, and slice to serve.
Notes
- Customize toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
