Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: Prepare to ditch the delivery menu because this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine all the savory, meaty goodness of your favorite pizza, transformed into a warm, comforting casserole that’s surprisingly easy to make. Forget complicated crusts and finicky toppings; we’re talking layers of cheesy, meaty perfection that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While pizza itself boasts a rich history dating back to ancient flatbreads, the casserole adaptation is a more modern invention, born from a desire for convenience and hearty family meals. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy those classic pizza flavors without the fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. The beauty of a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole lies in its adaptability; you can customize it with your favorite meats, cheeses, and sauces to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste.

What’s not to love? The combination of rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a medley of savory meats is simply irresistible. The casserole format ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and texture, from the crispy edges to the soft, cheesy center. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, meaning less cleanup! Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, incredibly satisfying way.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Brown the Meats: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break the meats apart with a spoon as they cook. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. Incorporate Pepperoni and Bacon: Stir in the chopped pepperoni and crumbled bacon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The pepperoni will release some of its oils, adding richness to the sauce.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. This step is crucial for a deeply flavorful sauce.

Cooking the Noodles:

1. Boil the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles will result in a mushy casserole.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent them from sticking together.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture:

1. Combine Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Add Eggs: Add the lightly beaten eggs to the cheese mixture. The eggs will help to bind the cheese together and create a creamy texture.
3. Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
3. Layer Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Noodles: Arrange half of the cooked egg noodles over the sauce.
5. Spread Cheese Mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
6. Add More Sauce: Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
7. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining noodles, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and ensure that the casserole is heated through.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
4. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to slice.

Serving:

1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy! This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, to the meat sauce.
• Use Different Meats: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the meats and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach, to create a vegetarian version. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce.
• Use Different Noodles: Penne or rotini pasta can be used in place of egg noodles.
• Make Ahead: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Conclusion:

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the satisfying taste of pizza but wants a quicker, easier, and frankly, more fun way to enjoy it. Forget the hassle of kneading dough and meticulously arranging toppings – this casserole delivers all the deliciousness with a fraction of the effort. The combination of savory meats, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have your family begging for seconds. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate some sliced jalapeños into the meat mixture. If you’re looking to sneak in some veggies, finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. For a lighter version, you could use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef and opt for a reduced-fat cheese blend. Serving suggestions are endless! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or breadsticks are also classic pairings that will undoubtedly be a hit. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can even pack them for lunch the next day – a guaranteed way to make your coworkers jealous!

Variations to Explore:

* Vegetarian Delight: Swap the meat for a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. * Hawaiian Twist: Add pineapple chunks and Canadian bacon for a sweet and savory flavor combination. * Supreme Casserole: Incorporate all your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. * White Pizza Casserole: Skip the tomato sauce and use a creamy Alfredo sauce as the base. Add grilled chicken, spinach, and artichoke hearts for a sophisticated twist. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and how incredibly delicious it tastes. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. I’m confident that this will become a new family favorite. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your family’s reactions? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your pizza casserole adventures! Happy cooking! Print