When I think of family gatherings, the aroma of a bubbling casserole wafting through the kitchen makes me feel at home. Growing up, we often enjoyed pizza nights, where everyone gathered to share their favorite toppings. This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole brings back those warm memories. It’s a comforting dish that combines all the classic flavors we adore about pizza, but in a hearty, warming casserole. You can easily whip it up for a weeknight dinner or serve it at a game night with friends. What makes this recipe special is how it captures the joy of traditional pizza while being easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
why make this recipe
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines delicious flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a great way to feed a family or a group of friends. Instead of ordering pizza, you can create a homemade dish that is hearty and full of goodness. Plus, it’s a simple one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze! The layers of meat, sauce, and cheese give you that classic pizza taste in a fun and filling casserole form.
how to make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425º F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain well and return the meat to the skillet.
- Add the pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, stirring until blended. Stir in the pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Unroll the pizza crust and place it on top of the mozzarella cheese. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
how to serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. You can slice it into squares like a pizza and enjoy it with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad or garlic bread. It’s perfect for gatherings, and you can even add some crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
how to store Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350º F until heated through, or you can use the microwave for a quicker option.
tips to make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Use your favorite pizza toppings in addition to or instead of the meats listed. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives can add a nice touch.
- Make sure to drain the meat well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- To save time, you can cook the meat mixture ahead and assemble the casserole later.
variation
For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute the traditional pizza crust with a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Yes, it freezes well! Just cover it tightly before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or even breadsticks for a complete meal.
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
Base
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 26-oz jar tomato basil pasta sauce
- 1 13.8-oz can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425º F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain well and return the meat to the skillet.
- Add the pepperoni, all-purpose flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, stirring until blended.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Remove from heat and spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Unroll the pizza crust and place it on top of the mozzarella cheese. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and the grated parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.