Easy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe (Crowd Favorite Dinner Idea)
If your family loves pizza night, get ready to meet your new go-to weeknight dinner — Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. This hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying casserole brings all the bold flavors of your favorite pizza into a warm, bubbly, baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. It’s packed with sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, gooey mozzarella, and a rich marinara sauce — everything you love about a classic meat lovers pizza, but in a simple, make-ahead friendly casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a game day gathering, or just craving comfort food, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
| Serving Size: 6 to 8 servings | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes |
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Drain excess grease, then add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and half of the pepperoni. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and pepperoni. Add olives if using.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Meat Lovers Casserole
- Undercook the pasta slightly: It’ll finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy.
- Use high-quality marinara: It’s the base of your sauce, so go for one that’s rich and flavorful.
- Drain your meats well: Too much grease will make the casserole oily.
- Let it rest before slicing: This helps everything set and gives you cleaner portions.
- Double the batch and freeze one: This casserole freezes like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep.
Variations to Try
- Low Carb Version: Swap the pasta for cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- Add Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions and add a pop of color.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for some heat.
- Different Cheese Blends: Mix in provolone or cheddar for a twist.
- Make it Supreme: Toss in green peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a supreme-style pizza flavor.
Related Post: Pizza Tot Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes and bake as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble and freeze before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well and don’t get soggy.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the meats and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, olives, and artichokes. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce and you’re good to go.
Whether you’re serving up this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole for a Sunday dinner, potluck, or just a regular Tuesday night, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. It’s easy, customizable, and full of that rich, savory flavor we all crave. So go ahead and pin this recipe, because it’s one you’re going to want to make again and again.