If you’re a fan of pizza (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then this meat lovers pizza casserole is going to become your new favorite dish! Picture a hearty, bubbling casserole filled with all your favorite pizza toppings—think savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese layered to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic pizza into a convenient, crowd-pleasing casserole. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a game day feast, this meat lovers pizza casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings and leave them coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious meat lovers pizza casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef: This forms the hearty base of our casserole, giving it that classic meaty flavor.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Adds a delightful spice and richness that elevates the dish.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: For that aromatic base that brings everything together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: This will be the saucy goodness that binds all the flavors.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: The melty, gooey cheese that brings this casserole to life!
- 1 cup pepperoni slices: A must-have for any meat lovers pizza—adds that classic pizza flair.
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped: For a pop of color and a touch of freshness among all the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Just the right herbs to give it that authentic Italian vibe.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season your layers for maximum flavor!
How to Prepare Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ready to create a mouthwatering meat lovers pizza casserole? Let’s dive into the steps! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s simpler than you might think. Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that lovely bubbly cheese on top!
- Brown the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Make sure to break them up as they cook, so they’re evenly browned and not too chunky.
- Add the aromatics: Once the meats are nice and browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these until they’re softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Mix in the tomatoes: Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors together.
- Layer it up: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the meat mixture on the bottom. Then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by half of the pepperoni and chopped bell peppers. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—trust me, the aroma will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!
And there you have it! Your meat lovers pizza casserole is ready to impress. Serve it hot and enjoy the rave reviews!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s packed into your delicious meat lovers pizza casserole? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (which is about 1/8 of the casserole). Keep in mind these are approximations based on typical values, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
This casserole is a hearty dish, packed with protein and flavor—perfect for satisfying those meat cravings! Enjoy every bite while keeping these values in mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient: Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
- Flavor-packed: With layers of savory meats, melty cheese, and tangy tomatoes, every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
- Hearty and satisfying: This casserole is loaded with protein, making it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite pizza toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dish serves a crowd easily, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game day parties.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, ready to pop in the oven when you need it!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your meat lovers pizza casserole turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the ground beef and sausage well. It adds depth of flavor that really makes a difference!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and bell peppers can elevate the taste. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Layer thoughtfully: Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly as you layer. This way, every bite is packed with flavor!
- Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely for easier slicing!
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! Swap in your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
- Check your cheese: If you like a super cheesy casserole, don’t hesitate to add more mozzarella or even mix in some provolone or cheddar for a twist!
With these tips, you’ll be a casserole pro in no time. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about this meat lovers pizza casserole is how easy it is to customize! Here are some fun ideas to mix it up and make it your own:
- Veggie Lovers: Swap out some of the meat for your favorite vegetables! Think mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the onions for an added flavor boost.
- BBQ Twist: Replace the crushed tomatoes with BBQ sauce for a tangy and smoky flavor. You can even add shredded chicken or pulled pork for a different protein kick.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, throw in some jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes! They’ll add a spicy punch that balances out the richness of the cheese and meats.
- Cheese Overload: Feel free to mix in different cheeses! Try adding some sharp cheddar or pepper jack for an extra layer of flavor. Just be careful not to overdo it unless you want an extra cheesy masterpiece!
- Breakfast Style: Get creative by adding some scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of the traditional meats. Serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce for an amazing brunch dish!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Toss them in during the layering process to brighten up those rich flavors!
Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild! This casserole is a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. Happy customizing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry; this meat lovers pizza casserole stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty for your next meal.
First off, let the casserole cool completely before you store it. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This way, you’ll keep all those delicious flavors locked in! You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days—perfect for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the casserole! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and pop it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Now, for reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re reheating individual portions, the microwave works just fine. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. For the best results, though, I recommend reheating the whole casserole in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated all the way through. This helps keep the cheese nice and melty!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your meat lovers pizza casserole long after it comes out of the oven. Happy eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use different meats in my casserole?
Absolutely! This meat lovers pizza casserole is super versatile. Feel free to mix and match with your favorite meats, like diced ham, ground turkey, or even some spicy chorizo. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times if needed, especially with different types of sausage!
What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
No worries! If you don’t have crushed tomatoes on hand, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce. Just keep in mind that the texture will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat lovers pizza casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and enjoy!
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This meat lovers pizza casserole is gluten-free, as long as you ensure all your ingredients, like sausage and cheese, are gluten-free. It’s a hearty meal that everyone can enjoy!
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You’ll know your casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a food thermometer to check that it’s reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the center. Happy baking!
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: 5 Tasty Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful meat lovers pizza casserole that combines all your favorite pizza toppings in a convenient dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half the meat mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Add half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and bell peppers.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: meat lovers pizza casserole, pizza casserole, Italian casserole