If you dream of pizza nights but crave something even heartier, the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole will make you swoon. This deliciously over-the-top dinner layers all the best meaty pizza flavors with cheesy baked pasta, creating a dish that feels like both a Friday-night treat and a cozy, comforting family dinner. Every slice packs plenty of savory satisfaction, overflowing with saucy goodness and melty cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want extra leftovers, this is one casserole you’ll want on repeat.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Your shopping list couldn’t get simpler, yet every ingredient is carefully chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and that irresistible pizza vibe. Here’s what you’ll want to gather to build the ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole at home:

Rotini Pasta (12 oz): The spirals hold onto all that meaty sauce and cheese for a perfectly textured bite every time.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and keeps everything from sticking in the sauté step.
Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides the hearty, classic meatiness at the center of this casserole.
Italian Sausage (½ lb): For spiced, savory notes that take the flavor up a notch.
Diced Pepperoni (1 cup): Gives you that signature pizza spirit and a delightful pop of texture.
Onion, diced (1 small): Adds natural sweetness to balance the salty meats.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the base with irresistible aromatic flavor in every forkful.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings pizza-shop herby goodness to the party.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the savory components for a well-rounded taste.
Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Lends a subtle kick, awakening the spices in every bite.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce (24 oz): The saucy binder that makes everything luscious, tangy, and classic.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Creates a gooey, stretchy topping you’ll want to dive into spoon first.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty finish and browns beautifully on top.
Optional: Extra Pepperoni Slices & Chopped Parsley for Garnish: For those pizza-parlor finishing touches that make it pop.

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your rotini just until al dente. This ensures the pasta can soak up the delicious sauce in the oven without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain well and set aside—your future self will thank you for not overcooking!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it soften and sweeten for a couple of minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick 30-second stir—this builds a delicious aromatic foundation for the whole Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

Add your ground beef and Italian sausage straight to the skillet. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, letting it brown evenly and picking up all those savory flavors from the onion and garlic. Once browned, drain the extra fat to keep your casserole rich but not greasy.

Step 4: Season and Sauce It Up

Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, letting the spices wake up in the meat. Pour in your marinara or pizza sauce—choose whichever you love most or go spicy for extra heat. Now, add the cooked rotini and diced pepperoni, stirring until everything is glossy and well-coated in that irresistible sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Pour the meaty pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan all over, and top with extra pepperoni slices for that picture-perfect pizza look.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide the casserole into your 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for that melty, slightly golden cheese and a bubbling edge. The kitchen will smell like a pizzeria!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, finish with a scatter of chopped parsley for freshness and color. Let it cool slightly, then grab a big serving spoon and dig in. That first cheesy, meaty forkful will have everyone at the table swooning.

How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each serving for a pop of color and brightness, or add extra grated Parmesan for cheesy flair. If you’re a pepperoni super-fan, lay a few more slices on top just before baking—the edges will crisp up beautifully, making the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole truly feel like pizza in every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole is seriously hearty, so it pairs well with something refreshing and simple. A crisp Caesar or Italian salad, some garlic breadsticks, or roasted veggies are all perfect compliments to the rich, cheesy flavors. The lighter sides balance out this bold, meaty main course perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop individual portions into shallow bowls for extra cheese pull drama, or serve it out of a cast iron skillet for a rustic vibe. For parties or potlucks, cut the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole into squares and offer toothpicks for a fun, snackable twist—pizza night just got a whole lot more interesting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days, making lunch or a second dinner a total breeze. Each reheated slice is just as satisfying as the first.

Freezing

The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a freezer’s best friend! Assemble everything, but skip the baking step. Wrap it tightly, freeze, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the center is steaming hot. Leftovers can also be frozen in individual portions for quick, hearty meals whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes for a large portion). For single servings, the microwave works great—just heat in 1-minute intervals until piping hot. If you want to revive that cheesy top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end.

FAQs

Can I add different meats to the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in cooked bacon, diced ham, or even crumble in some cooked meatballs. This recipe was made for customization, so use whatever pizza toppings you love most.

What sauce is best for this casserole?

Either classic marinara or your favorite pizza sauce will work beautifully. If you love bold flavors, try a spicy arrabbiata or a garlic-heavy pizza sauce for extra oomph.

Is there a way to make this casserole a bit healthier?

You can easily swap in whole wheat pasta, use turkey sausage instead of pork, or sprinkle in extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it unbaked, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for guests.

What’s the best way to get a crispier cheese topping?

For maximum golden goodness, uncover the casserole for the last 5 minutes of baking or put it under the broiler for 2 minutes at the end. Just watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for something fun, ultra-satisfying, and sure to win over every meat lover at your table, give this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole a try. It’s pure comfort food with all the best flavors of pizza, plus the cozy heartiness of a baked pasta dish. Make it your own, share with family, and savor the joy of a recipe destined for repeat appearances in your kitchen!