If you’re a fan of all things hearty, cheesy, and packed with meaty goodness, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. This dish combines the irresistible flavors of ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and rich cheeses layered perfectly with a savory tomato basil sauce and a golden pizza crust on top. Every forkful offers that wonderful blend of pizza and casserole, creating a satisfying experience that’s warm, filling, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you try this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step to creating a spectacular casserole that bursts with flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the meaty protein base and aromatic seasonings to the golden crust and melty cheeses, all combining into a dish you’ll crave again and again.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The hearty foundation of this casserole that brings rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 lb pork sausage: Adds juicy, spiced depth and succulent texture balancing the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni: Provides that classic pizza zest and an extra punch of meaty delight.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce and bind the ingredients, ensuring everything holds together beautifully.
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided: Infuses the casserole with warmth and herbaceous notes reminiscent of your favorite pizza.
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce: Brings fresh, tangy tomato flavor to coat all the meats and add moisture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible gooey meltiness that makes every bite rich and decadent.
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough: The crispy, golden topping that seals in all the deliciousness.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds a glossy finish and subtle richness to the crust for perfect browning.
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top to create a flavorful, crispy crust edge that’s utterly addictive.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a scorching 425º F so it’s perfectly hot to bake your casserole to golden-brown goodness. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent any sticking later and make cleanup easier. Having this ready upfront will save time when your filling and dough are ready to go in.
Step 2: Cooking the Meats
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no pink remains. This takes just minutes and ensures your meats are fully cooked with a deliciously browned crust. Once cooked, drain any excess grease so the casserole won’t be too oily. This step builds the heart of your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe’s meaty flavor foundation.
Step 3: Adding Pepperoni, Flour, and Seasoning
Next, toss in your chopped pepperoni, sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, and stir in 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. The flour helps thicken everything to a perfect consistency, while the seasoning layers in aromatic complexity. After stirring everything together, pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat—this rich filling is starting to look like a pizza feast!
Step 4: Layering the Filling and Cheese
Carefully spoon your meaty sauce mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. This cheese layer will melt and become luxuriously stringy beneath the crust, giving a beautifully moist and cheesy center to your casserole.
Step 5: Adding the Pizza Dough Topping
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and gently lay it over the mozzarella-topped filling. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil to encourage a golden, crispy finish. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning on top, followed by an additional sprinkle of mozzarella and then the grated parmesan cheese. This final layer adds color, flavor, and that trademark crispy-crunch pizza texture that makes this dish a total winner.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake the entire casserole in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pizza crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheeses bubble up invitingly. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid over-browning. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step helps everything to set, making serving a breeze.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and elevate your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano over the top just before serving. A little cracked black pepper or red chili flakes adds a subtle kick that balances the rich, meaty flavors beautifully. These simple touches bring freshness and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with light, crisp sides to create a balanced meal. A fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, and roasted garlic green beans or steamed broccoli add vibrant color and nutrients for contrast. Even a classic Caesar salad fits perfectly with the Italian-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a charming family-style presentation. You could also use biscuit cutters to shape the pizza crust dough topping for bite-sized personal pizzas layered with meat and cheese. Either way, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to savor those meaty, cheesy flavors again without losing quality.
Freezing
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it first—cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in the oven at 350º F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. You can also microwave individual portions, but the crust won’t be as crisp that way. To maintain the delightful texture, sizzling it up in a skillet for a few minutes works wonders too.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! Italian sausage is traditional for this recipe, but you can substitute with breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even a spicy turkey sausage for a different twist. Just make sure you adjust the seasoning if your alternative sausage is more or less spicy.
Is it okay to use homemade pasta sauce?
Yes, homemade pasta sauce works wonderfully and gives you control over flavor and salt levels. Just make sure it’s thick enough to prevent the casserole from becoming watery when baked.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can adapt this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for a vegetarian diet by replacing the meats with plant-based proteins like mushrooms, tofu crumbles, or vegetarian sausage alternatives. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers and olives will also enhance the dish.
What can I substitute for the pizza crust dough?
If you don’t have refrigerated pizza dough, you can use pre-made pizza crusts, biscuit dough, or crescent roll dough as a topping. Just adjust baking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through and becomes golden.
How spicy is this casserole?
The casserole has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Italian seasoning and pepperoni, but it is not overly spicy. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling if you prefer more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe is truly a celebration of everything you love about pizza and comfort food all in one dish. It’s cozy, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this tasty casserole just as much as I do—it’s sure to become one of your favorites in no time!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, pork sausage, and pepperoni in a rich tomato basil sauce, layered with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, all topped with a golden pizza crust. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the ultimate meat feast to your dinner table in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
Seasoning and Sauce
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Dough and Finishing
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425º F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meats: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add Pepperoni and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of the Italian seasoning into the cooked meat mixture, blending well. Then add the tomato basil pasta sauce, bring the mixture to a boil, and remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Layer the Casserole: Spoon the meat and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to create a rich, cheesy layer.
- Top with Pizza Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and lay it over the mozzarella cheese layer. Brush the top of the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, additional mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cooked meat well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For extra veggies, consider adding chopped bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to make serving easier.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
