Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish for satisfying your pizza cravings without having to order takeout. It’s loaded with ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with a layer of gooey mozzarella cheese and a crispy pizza crust. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Meat Lover’s Dream: This casserole is packed with a variety of meats, including ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for meat lovers.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for Sharing: This casserole is great for potlucks, game day gatherings, or just a casual get-together with friends and family.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite pizza toppings, like mushrooms, onions, or olives, to make it your own.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for this recipe, but you can use any type of ground beef you prefer.
• Pork Sausage: I use Italian sausage, but you can use any type of sausage you like.
• Pepperoni: I use pre-sliced pepperoni, but you can also use a pepperoni log and slice it yourself.
• All-Purpose Flour: This helps to thicken the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for that classic Italian flavor.
• Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce: I use a store-bought tomato basil pasta sauce for convenience, but you can also make your own if you prefer.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the casserole.
• Refrigerated Pizza Crust Dough: I use a can of refrigerated pizza crust dough for convenience, but you can also use your favorite homemade pizza dough.
• Olive Oil: This is used to brush the pizza crust before baking.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the topping.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Veggie Delight: Add some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to the meat mixture.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, like provolone, ricotta, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Extra Crust: Use two cans of pizza crust dough and layer one on the bottom and one on the top of the casserole.

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Meats

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Add the pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir until well combined. Then, stir in the pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese.

Step 3: Top with Pizza Crust

Unroll the pizza crust and place it on top of the mozzarella cheese. Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the meat is cooked through and browned before adding the other ingredients.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the meat. This will help it brown properly.
• Cheese Melting: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.

How to Serve

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this hearty casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is always a good idea with pizza-inspired dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
• Storing: Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use any type of ground meat you like, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage. You can also use a combination of different meats.

Can I use a different type of pasta sauce?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite marinara sauce or even a homemade pizza sauce.

Can I make this casserole without the pizza crust?
Yes, you can! Just omit the pizza crust and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the meat sauce before baking.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. I hope you enjoy it!

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