If you are a fan of hearty, flavorful meals packed with all your favorite savory meats, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe. It brings together the best of Italian-American comfort food with layers of ground beef, spicy sausage, pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a golden pizza dough crust all baking up into one irresistible casserole. This dish is a perfect family-friendly crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and delightfully easy to make, turning pizza night into an even more exciting and cozy feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the key to building up the rich layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole such a standout. Each component plays a critical role, from the savory meats to the aromatic Italian seasoning and the melty cheeses that bring everything together.
- Lean ground beef: Provides a juicy, hearty base packed with rich meaty flavor.
- Pork sausage: Adds a spicy, savory dimension that complements the beef beautifully.
- Chopped pepperoni: Brings a classic pizza punch with a bit of tangy spice.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for a luscious texture.
- Italian seasoning: Offers fragrant herbs that brighten and unify all the meat flavors.
- Tomato basil pasta sauce: Infuses the casserole with rich tomato depth and fresh basil aroma.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, stringy layers we all adore.
- Refrigerated pizza crust dough: Forms a golden-brown, crispy lid that seals in all the savory goodness.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the crust develop a beautiful finish.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra savory, nutty kick and appealing color.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot, which is essential for crisping the crust perfectly. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking while keeping cleanup easy.
Step 2: Cook the Meats
Brown the lean ground beef and pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until all the pink is gone. This step locks in flavor and ensures your casserole having that hearty meat consistency we love. After cooking, drain excess fat so the dish stays moist but not greasy.
Step 3: Mix in Pepperoni, Flour, and Herbs
To the skillet, add the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until you have a nicely blended mixture that will thicken once you add the pasta sauce. Then pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring the whole mixture to a boil, infusing the meats with vibrant tomato and herb flavors before removing it from the heat.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Pour the delicious meat and sauce mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Next, sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top, which begins to melt beautifully into the warm sauce, giving the casserole its signature gooey, cheesy appeal.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Crust Topping
Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough and carefully lay it over the mozzarella layer, covering the entire casserole. Brush the top crust generously with olive oil to help it brown evenly and let it crisp delightfully during baking. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, additional mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese on top for a flavorful, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the pizza crust is gorgeous and golden brown and the cheese on top bubbles with mouthwatering aroma. This final step brings everything together into one harmonious dish that’s an absolute joy to serve.
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh contrast, sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. This adds a burst of color and a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance out the hearty meat-filled main. Garlic bread is always a winner too, soaking up any leftover sauce with delicious enthusiasm.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the casserole like a pizza and offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy marinara, or even a creamy garlic dip for a fun twist. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for meals later in the week without losing any of its deliciousness.
Freezing
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it securely with foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through and bubbly. Cover with foil during reheating to prevent the crust from burning while keeping the inside deliciously moist.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap pork sausage for turkey sausage or even a spicy Italian sausage for a bit more heat and flavor. Just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it necessary to use refrigerated pizza dough?
Using refrigerated pizza dough is convenient and yields a great crust, but you can also substitute store-bought fresh dough or even a homemade dough if you’re feeling adventurous.
What can I do if I don’t have tomato basil pasta sauce?
No worries! You can substitute plain marinara sauce and add some fresh basil or Italian seasoning to mimic that lovely tomato basil flavor.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pizza dough and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing taste.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly for meal prepping?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic recipe to prep in advance and freeze. Just thaw and bake or reheat as needed, making busy nights a breeze.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your family or friends with a deeply satisfying, flavor-packed meal, you really can’t go wrong with this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe. It’s a comforting blend of your favorite pizza flavors in a cozy, easy-to-make casserole that will surely become a dinner-time staple. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this irresistible meat feast!
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, pork sausage, and pepperoni with classic pizza seasonings and cheeses baked together into a delicious casserole. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that brings the ultimate meat feast pizza experience into a comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
Cheese & Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Crust
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
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 fully browned and no longer pink, breaking the meat up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add pepperoni and seasonings: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, all-purpose flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning into the cooked meat mixture until combined. Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce, bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the base layers: Spoon the warm meat and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Add the crust and toppings: Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and place it on top of the mozzarella layer in the pan. Brush the dough with olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, some additional shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Drain the cooked meats well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if desired.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set for easier slicing.
- For an extra cheesy topping, feel free to add more mozzarella before baking.
- This casserole stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
