Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

This Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza night – beef, sausage, pepperoni, bacon, melted cheese, and rich pizza sauce – packed into a comforting, baked pasta dish. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and makes for an easy, family-friendly meal that’s loaded with flavor. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is as satisfying as it gets.

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What Makes This Casserole Irresistible?

• All Your Favorite Pizza Toppings: Meat lovers rejoice! This dish has ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and two types of cheese for a true meat-lover’s paradise.
• Simple, Family-Friendly Dinner: Easy to make, serve, and eat – this casserole is the ultimate weeknight meal solution.
• Baked for Extra Comfort: Baking the casserole brings everything together and gives you that bubbling, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Meat and Cheese Heaven:

• 1 lb ground beef: Adds a hearty base to the dish.
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage: For that extra layer of flavor, giving the casserole a taste reminiscent of classic pizza.
• 1 cup pepperoni slices: Use mini pepperonis if you like, or slice regular ones in half.
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky, savory punch.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully over the casserole for that gooey cheese pull.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a bit of sharpness to balance the flavors.

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce: Use your favorite brand or flavor. A classic pizza sauce is perfect, but a marinara can work too if you want more tomato flavor.
• 1 package (16 oz) rotini pasta, cooked: Rotini holds onto the sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, garlic flavor without needing to chop fresh garlic.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor in the meats.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to capture the classic pizza flavor.
• Cooking spray: To prevent sticking in the baking dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Set the Oven to 375°F (190°C): Preheat your oven while you prepare the ingredients. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to make serving and cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Meats

• Brown the Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat up as it browns, cooking until fully browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Drain the Fat: Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This keeps the casserole from becoming too greasy.
• Season the Meat: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat the meat with these spices for extra flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

• Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, pizza sauce, cooked ground beef and sausage, half of the pepperoni slices, and half of the crumbled bacon. Stir until everything is coated in the sauce and well combined.
• Tip: Save a little of the sauce to drizzle over the top if you like a saucier finish.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour into the Baking Dish: Spread the pasta and meat mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Make sure the cheese covers the casserole completely for that ultimate melty goodness.
• Top with More Pepperoni and Bacon: Add the remaining pepperoni and bacon on top of the cheese. This final layer of meat gives the casserole that extra wow factor.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Bake for 20-25 Minutes: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. Check around 20 minutes to avoid over-browning.
• Let it Cool for a Few Minutes: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This makes it easier to slice and ensures that each serving holds together well.

Serving Suggestions

This Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more delicious:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or garlic knots for dipping into the saucy casserole.
• Salad: Balance out the richness with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad on the side.
• Extra Sauce: Keep some warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm up leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Spice it Up: If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the meat for plant-based crumbles, veggie sausage, or mushrooms for a veggie version.
• Extra Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms to the pasta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese in the middle for a lasagna-like texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
• Serving Size: Makes about 6 servings
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 32g

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Loaded with meats, cheeses, and all the pizza flavors you love, this casserole is an all-in-one dish that’s bound to satisfy everyone around the table. Whether for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, it’s as fun and comforting to eat as it is to make. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure pizza-inspired joy!