Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Sizzling cheese, savory pepperoni, and hearty meat lovers pizza casserole bring comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This mouthwatering dish combines all the classic pizza flavors into a satisfying, easy-to-make casserole.

Every bite promises a delectable blend of meaty goodness and melted cheese that will make dinner feel like a celebration.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that disappears quickly from the table.

Packed with protein and loaded with flavor, this casserole delivers a crowd-pleasing experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to savor a pizza-inspired comfort meal that hits all the right notes of flavor and satisfaction.

Flavor Ideas for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pizza Perfection Tricks: Swap ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Mix different cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar with mozzarella to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Dice bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions and mix into the meat sauce for added nutrition and texture.
• Crispy Crust Secret: Brush the pizza crust with garlic-infused olive oil instead of plain olive oil to enhance the overall taste and create a golden, crispy top.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for best texture and to maintain the crust's crispiness.

Serving Suggestions for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Flavor Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich, meaty casserole with a crisp garden salad tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors.
• Sides that Sizzle: Roasted garlic breadsticks or crispy garlic knots make perfect accompaniments, helping soak up the delicious sauce and adding extra texture to the meal.
• Wine & Dine Delight: Pair this robust casserole with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel, which will enhance the savory meat and cheese flavors and elevate the entire dining experience.
• Veggie Boost Brilliance: Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetable medley to bring some nutritional balance and freshness to the indulgent pizza casserole.

Storage Advice for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain flavor and food safety.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Revival Trick: Reheat single servings for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare casserole ingredients ahead of time. Cook meats and mix sauce a day before assembly. Refrigerate components separately until ready to layer and bake, saving precious cooking time during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Lean Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with minimal fat for a healthier casserole.
• Pork Sausage: Adds robust, spicy flavor and extra meaty depth to the dish.
• Pepperoni: Introduces classic pizza taste with crispy, zesty texture and concentrated meat flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth, consistent texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mediterranean herbs and aromatic warmth to the recipe.
• Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce: Offers vibrant, tangy base with fresh herbal undertones for classic pizza essence.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates irresistible melty, stretchy topping with mild, creamy character.
• Pizza Crust Dough: Provides quick, convenient base for transforming traditional pizza into casserole style.
• Olive Oil: Ensures golden, crispy crust with subtle, rich Mediterranean flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty accent and creates delightful crispy cheese layer on top.

Tools to Assemble Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sausage evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for creating the casserole's base and achieving even cooking.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and spice measurements.
• Pastry Brush: Helps distribute olive oil evenly on pizza crust.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for chopping pepperoni if needed.

Directions to Bake Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Meat Preparation

Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and mix in chopped pepperoni.

• Sauce Creation

Pour tomato basil sauce into the meat mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.

• Cheese Foundation

Spread a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the meat and sauce base, creating a creamy foundation for the casserole.

• Crust Topping

Gently lay pizza dough over the cheesy meat layer, brushing with olive oil and sprinkling additional cheese on top.

• Oven Magic

Bake in a preheated oven at 425ºF for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly.

• Serving

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, allowing flavors to settle before cutting and serving.

Mouthwatering Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-inspired meat lovers pizza casserole combines classic pizza flavors with comforting casserole textures. Melted cheese, savory meats, and rich marinara sauce create a satisfying meal that will delight hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) pork sausage
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni
• 26 oz (737 g) tomato basil pasta sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tbsps grated parmesan cheese
• 13.8 oz (391 g) refrigerated pizza crust dough
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tsps Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425ºF and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Meat Sauté: In a skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then return meat to pan and mix in chopped pepperoni, flour, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sauce Development: Incorporate tomato basil pasta sauce into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly until well combined. Transfer the savory blend to the prepared baking dish.
4. Cheese Layer: Spread mozzarella cheese evenly across the meat foundation, creating a rich, melty base.
5. Crust Application: Gently stretch refrigerated pizza crust over the cheese layer. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and a touch of Italian seasoning.
6. Baking Finale: Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust achieves a golden, crispy texture and cheese bubbles enticingly.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Brown meat thoroughly to eliminate excess fat and ensure food safety, draining grease completely prevents soggy texture.
• Cheese Distribution Strategy: Layer mozzarella generously and evenly to create a consistent melted coverage across the entire dish.
• Crust Handling Technique: Stretch refrigerated pizza dough gently to avoid tearing and ensure complete coverage of the meat and cheese base.
• Baking Precision: Watch closely during final 5 minutes of cooking to prevent over-browning and achieve perfect golden-crisp crust without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 to 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg