If you love pizza and crave something hearty and satisfying, this Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole delivers all the flavor of your favorite pie in a cozy casserole format. Packed with savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melty cheese, it’s comfort food at its best. Whether you’re serving a crowd for game day, feeding a family after school or work, or just want a no-fuss dinner that feels indulgent, this dish checks all the boxes.
Unlike traditional pizza, this casserole bakes up piping hot, easy to serve, and even better the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep, and the mix of hearty ingredients makes it a complete meal on its own.
Ingredients :
Base and Meat Layer
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Italian sausage or pepperoni slices
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta or Crust Base
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni) or
1 package refrigerated pizza dough, cubed
Cheese Layers
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sliced mushrooms
- Chopped bell peppers
- Sliced black olives
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions :
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin brush of olive oil.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, Italian sausage or pepperoni, and onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are tender, about 5–7 minutes. Break the meat into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Sauce and Seasonings
Pour the pizza sauce into the skillet with the meat. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Base
If you’re using pasta: Cook it according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
If you’re using pizza dough: Cube it into bite-sized pieces — this will create a soft, bread-like layer in your casserole.
5. Layer the Casserole
Start by spreading half of your base (cooked pasta or cubed dough) evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spoon half of the meat and sauce mixture over the base.
Sprinkle a generous layer with 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, then add a layer of cheddar and Parmesan.
Repeat the layers:
- Remaining pasta or dough
- Remaining meat sauce
- Remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese
6. Add Optional Toppings
If you want extra veggies or pizza-style toppings, scatter mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or other favorites across the top before baking.
7. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly so they’re easier to scoop onto plates.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Conclusion :
This Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole brings the best parts of pizza and comforting baked pasta together in one satisfying dish. The combination of rich meat sauce, layers of melty cheese, and a sturdy pasta or dough base makes it a complete meal that’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or weekend gatherings.
What makes this casserole especially great is its versatility. You can tailor the meat mix to include sausage, bacon, pepperoni, or even crumbled meatballs. Add your favorite vegetables or extra seasonings to customize the flavor. Whether you stick with a classic lineup or get creative, every bite delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort.
This dish also shines as a make-ahead meal: leftovers reheat beautifully, and flavors continue to deepen with time. Pair your casserole with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a full feast that feels both familiar and festive.
In short, this casserole turns your love of pizza into a hearty, shareable meal that’s easy to make and hard to forget — a true crowd-pleaser in every sense.
