Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
A hearty and filling casserole that combines the best flavors of classic pizza, perfect for meat lovers and meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb ½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 jar 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 20–25 slices 20–25 slices pepperoni
Seasonings
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, the meat mixture, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella.
- Spread half of this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If using, add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese on top.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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