If you’re a fan of meat lovers pizza, then you’re going to absolutely love this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole! Imagine all those savory flavors you love from a classic pizza—ground beef, sausage, pepperoni—topped with gooey cheese, baked until golden brown, and served in a casserole dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving a crowd or making dinner for the family, this dish hits all the right notes.

Now, let me tell you, this casserole is perfect for when you want to indulge in something hearty and filling without having to fuss with pizza dough and toppings. Everything you love about a meat lovers pizza is packed into one easy-to-make casserole, and it’s so simple to throw together. The best part? The crispy pizza crust on top adds a nice crunch, creating the perfect contrast with the gooey melted mozzarella beneath. I promise, each bite is an absolute flavor bomb!

What You’ll Need to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. This dish is packed with delicious, hearty meats, a rich tomato basil sauce, and loads of cheese. Here’s the full list:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb beef sausage
1 cup chopped pepperoni
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

That’s it! Simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting casserole the whole family will devour. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a new and exciting way!

Steps to Make the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Meats

The first thing you’ll want to do is get your ground beef and beef sausage cooking. Grab a large skillet, heat it over medium-high heat, and add both the ground beef and the sausage. Cook them until they are no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbled. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease, then return the meat mixture back to the skillet.

Step 2: Add the Pepperoni and Seasoning

Now, it’s time to take things up a notch. Toss in the chopped pepperoni, followed by the flour and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until it’s well blended, making sure the flour coats the meat mixture evenly. This is going to help thicken up the sauce and give it that pizza-like texture we all crave.

Step 3: Stir in the Sauce and Bring to a Boil

Next, pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce. Stir it all together, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, take the skillet off the heat and get ready to spoon this flavorful mixture into your baking dish.

At this point, your kitchen should be smelling absolutely amazing! The combination of sausage, beef, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, savory aroma that will have everyone’s mouths watering.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent anything from sticking. Then, carefully spoon the meat mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Once that’s done, sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. This will melt into the sauce and add that gooey, cheesy goodness we all love from pizza.

At this stage, you’re already looking at a delicious dish, but we’re not quite done yet. Stay tuned as we add the pizza crust and bake everything to perfection.

Now that we’ve got the meat and cheese layers down, it’s time to take this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole to the next level with the addition of the pizza crust and those final touches that make it irresistibly good. Trust me, you won’t want to skip these steps. The pizza crust on top gives the dish that classic pizza vibe, and the blend of cheeses will have you savoring every bite.

Steps to Complete the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 5: Prepare the Pizza Crust

This is the fun part! Unroll your refrigerated pizza crust dough and place it over the top of the mozzarella cheese you just added. It’s like putting the final piece of the puzzle together! Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the shape of the baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire top.

Once your pizza crust is in place, it’s time to add a little extra flavor. Use a brush or spoon to lightly coat the dough with olive oil. This will help it crisp up in the oven and give it a lovely golden color. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the crust. This step ensures that every bite, even the crust, is bursting with flavor. Finally, sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated parmesan cheese on top of the crust for an extra cheesy, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Now for the part we’ve all been waiting for—baking! Place the casserole in the preheated 425º F oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, and look for the crust to turn a nice, golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and melted, and everything looks perfectly cooked.

The magic happens during this time in the oven. The pizza crust crisps up beautifully while the cheese melts into that savory meat mixture beneath it. The result? A golden, cheesy, and satisfying casserole that will make you and your family eagerly dive in.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit so you can slice it up without all the cheese and sauce spilling everywhere. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

Slice it into squares and serve this hearty casserole to your family or guests. It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner, a gathering, or anytime you’re craving the flavors of a meat lovers pizza in casserole form.

Now that you’ve got the recipe down, let’s address some common questions about this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole and offer a few helpful tips to make sure it turns out perfect every time. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or how to make it your own, we’ve got you covered!

FAQ About Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

1. Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can customize the meats to your liking. If you’re not a fan of beef sausage, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead. You could also add other favorite meats like bacon or ham for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times if you’re using pre-cooked meats to avoid overcooking them.

2. Can I use a homemade pizza crust instead of refrigerated dough?

Of course! If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can make your own pizza dough from scratch. Just roll it out to fit your baking dish and follow the same instructions for brushing it with olive oil and adding the seasonings. Homemade dough will add an even more personalized touch to this casserole.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350º F for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melted again. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will keep the crust nice and crispy.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can! If you want to prep this dish in advance, simply assemble the casserole (up to the point of adding the pizza crust) and store it in the fridge, covered, for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed. If you’re storing it for longer than a day, you can freeze it (before baking), and then bake it from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time.

5. Can I make this casserole spicier?

If you like a little heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture for an extra kick. You can also opt for spicy sausage or pepperoni to take the spice level up a notch. Adjust to your personal heat preference for a perfectly customized casserole.

6. What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is so filling on its own that you might not need much of a side, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple green salad or some garlic bread would be great. A side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli could also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese and adds that wonderful meltiness, you can experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of gouda could make a tasty addition. If you like a little extra tang, try adding a handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese. Just make sure you still have enough mozzarella for that gooey, melty texture.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe, packed with flavor, cheesy goodness, and all the meaty toppings you love! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty dinner, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. It’s customizable, easy to make, and so satisfying. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients and make this recipe your own. If you try any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them in the comments! Whether you tweak the meats, add a bit of spice, or throw in some extra cheese, I’m sure it’ll turn out delicious. So, grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best casserole you’ll ever eat. Happy cooking!

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

What You’ll Need to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole