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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

  • Total Time: 105 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and cheese. Perfect for family dinner or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Combine Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. 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.
  9. Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
  10. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  11. 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.
  12. Layer Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  13. Add Noodles: Arrange half of the cooked egg noodles over the sauce.
  14. Spread Cheese Mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  15. Add More Sauce: Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
  16. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining noodles, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
  17. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  18. 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.
  19. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
  23. 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.

Notes

  • Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, to the meat sauce.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef and Italian sausage.
  • Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat.
  • Omit the meats and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach, to create a vegetarian version. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce.
  • Penne or rotini pasta can be used in place of egg noodles.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes

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Find it online: https://psrecipeswillow.com/2025/06/meat-lovers-pizza-casserole/