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
Scale
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
