Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
If you are a true carnivore who craves a hearty, comforting meal, the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This dish masterfully combines all your favorite meats—ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni—into one glorious casserole that’s baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s like biting into a pizza and a casserole all at once, delivering layers of rich, savory flavors with a crispy crust on top. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a satisfying dinner, this recipe is a joyful celebration of everything the meat lovers out there cherish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe keeps things delightfully simple but each ingredient plays a star role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible pizza vibe. From the ground beef to the gooey mozzarella, every component contributes to a harmonious balance that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides a hearty base with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 lb pork sausage: Adds bold seasoning and savory juiciness that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni: Brings classic pizza spice and a delightful chewiness to the dish.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce, making it wonderfully cling to all the meats and cheese.
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided: Infuses the casserole with herby Mediterranean warmth, sprinkled into the sauce and on the crust.
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce: Offers robust tomato flavor with a hint of fragrant basil for that authentic pizza sauce essence.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into luscious pockets of creamy goodness throughout the casserole.
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough: Creates a crisp, golden topping that seals all those savory flavors inside.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the crust brown beautifully in the oven.
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a final hit of salty, nutty flavor and an irresistible crust finish.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 425º F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray—this ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Then, cook the ground beef and pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until they are no longer pink, breaking them apart as they cook. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
To the skillet with your cooked meat, add the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the flour is well incorporated. Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil so the sauce thickens slightly and all those spices mingle perfectly. Once it reaches a boil, remove from the heat to prepare for layering.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the meaty tomato mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously across the top, creating a gooey blanket of cheesy goodness that will melt beautifully under the crust.
Step 4: Add the Pizza Crust Topping
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough right over the mozzarella layer, covering the entire casserole surface. Use a brush to coat the crust with olive oil which will help it bake to an irresistible golden brown. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, extra mozzarella, and the parmesan cheese evenly over the crust to finish with a flavorful, crispy top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that crust turning golden and crispy, with cheese bubbling underneath. Once ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool just slightly before serving. This step helps the casserole set so every slice holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe even further, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A small drizzle of chili oil adds a spicy kick, or a shake of red pepper flakes can wake up the palate for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette creates a refreshing balance. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement the rich flavors while keeping the meal feeling well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties. Another fun idea is to garnish each serving with different cheeses or even a fried egg on top, giving guests the chance to customize their Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen, making leftovers just as delicious if not more so after a day or two.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend to keep that crust crunchy. Heat at 350º F for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add cooked bacon, ham, or even ground turkey if you want to tailor the recipe to your favorite meats or dietary preferences.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use a gluten-free pizza crust dough. There are many great gluten-free dough options available that will work wonderfully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole fully, cover it tight with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
What cheese works best besides mozzarella and parmesan?
While mozzarella and parmesan are classics, you can mix in provolone or cheddar for additional depth and meltiness. Just keep the ratio similar to maintain that perfect cheese pull.
How do I know when the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is done baking?
You’ll want the crust to be a deep golden brown and the cheese underneath to be bubbling and melted. Also, the sauce will be thickened and hot throughout. If in doubt, give it a few extra minutes, just watch to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is one of those magical recipes that brings together comfort, indulgence, and ease all in one dish. It delivers generous layers of meaty goodness wrapped in cheesy, saucy, and crusty perfection—and it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd-pleaser and a home-run dinner idea for meat lovers everywhere.
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines all your favorite meats—ground beef, pork sausage, and pepperoni—with a rich tomato basil sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, baked under a crispy pizza crust topping. It’s the ultimate hearty comfort dish perfect for meat enthusiasts and a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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
- 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 and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook meats: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no longer pink, making sure to break the meat apart and cook evenly. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add pepperoni and seasoning: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, all-purpose flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning into the skillet mixture. Mixing thoroughly ensures the flour and seasoning are well incorporated.
- Make the sauce mixture: Pour in the jar of tomato basil pasta sauce and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble casserole layers: Spoon the meat sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Add pizza crust and toppings: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust and place it over the cheese layer, fitting it to the edges of the pan. Brush the crust with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, additional mozzarella cheese if desired, and 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pizza crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cooked meats well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to let it set.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
