Description
A hearty and cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that combines pasta, meats, and cheeses for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, cooked meat, marinara sauce, and half the mozzarella.
- Spread half of the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of ricotta/cottage cheese if using.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the meats and toppings based on your preference.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg