Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe: Hearty Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable meat lovers pizza casserole sparks excitement in every hungry heart.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a mouthwatering adventure that goes beyond traditional pizza expectations.

Pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef create a protein-packed culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Melted cheese binds these bold flavors into a comforting dish perfect for weekend gatherings.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet impressive meal.

Rich, indulgent, and packed with everything you crave, this casserole turns ordinary suppers into memorable feasts.

Let’s dive into a recipe that brings all the pizza goodness to your dinner table without the hassle of making individual slices.

What Makes Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole So Filling

• Crave Meaty Indulgence: Packed with ground beef, italian sausage, and pepperoni, this recipe delivers a protein-packed punch that satisfies serious meat lovers.
• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup, making this casserole a perfect solution for busy families seeking delicious and convenient meals.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combining pizza-inspired ingredients with a creamy casserole format, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can personalize the recipe by adding extra toppings like olives, bell peppers, or swapping meats to match individual taste preferences.

All The Ingredients For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pizza Dough: A soft, stretchy foundation that forms the delicious bottom layer of the casserole.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Pepperoni: A savory meat combination that provides rich, hearty flavor and protein to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A melty, creamy cheese blend that adds luxurious texture and tangy depth to the casserole.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that brings bright, tangy notes to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: A rich ingredient that creates a smooth, velvety texture throughout the casserole.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A balanced spice blend that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Olive Oil: A golden-brown promoting ingredient that adds a subtle richness to the dish's edges.

Steps To Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Crank the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meaty Goodness

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Pepperoni

Break the meats into tiny crumbles over medium-high heat. Drain away any excess fat to keep things lean and delicious.

Step 3: Create The Dough Foundation

Stretch or roll the pizza dough across the entire bottom of the baking dish. Make sure it covers every single inch for a perfect base layer.

Step 4: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Spread these directly over the dough to create a melty initial foundation.

Step 5: Spread The Meaty Mixture

Distribute the cooked meat evenly across the cheese-covered dough. Ensure every corner gets some protein love.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Drizzle marinara sauce over the meat layer. Use a spatula to spread it perfectly, reaching every single edge of the dish.

Step 7: Season With Flavor Bombs

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Distribute evenly to guarantee a taste explosion in every single bite.

Step 8: Add Creamy Magic

Pour heavy cream over the entire casserole. This secret ingredient will create an incredibly rich and smooth texture.

Step 9: Crown With Cheese

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Create a luxurious cheese blanket that will make mouths water.

Step 10: Prep The Edges

Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil. This trick will help achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a molten masterpiece and the crust turns beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 12: Let It Rest And Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole chill for 5-10 minutes. This brief pause allows flavors to mingle and makes slicing a breeze. Slice and serve up some comfort on a plate!

Helpful Tips For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Maximize Meat Flavor: Brown meats thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and eliminate excess grease for a more concentrated taste profile.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Stretch pizza dough evenly and pre-sprinkle cheese to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and prevents moisture absorption.
• Ensure Even Seasoning: Use a light hand when sprinkling seasonings, moving in a consistent motion to distribute spices uniformly across the entire casserole.
• Create Golden Crust: Brush exposed dough edges with olive oil to achieve a beautiful, appetizing golden-brown color and add extra flavor complexity.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps flavors meld and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.

Different Ways To Try Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based protein crumbles, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Pizza Casserole: Substitute pizza dough with cauliflower crust or zucchini base, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious pizza flavors.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Casserole: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour crust, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Pizza Casserole: Swap italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add jalapeños, black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery southwestern kick.

Perfect Sides With Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine to Complement Meaty Flavors: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the rich, savory meat profile of the pizza casserole, cutting through the cheese's richness with its tannic structure.
• Balance with Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, acidic counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy casserole, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread Sides: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture that complements the casserole's soft, melted cheese layers.

How To Store Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Properly

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container, ensuring complete coverage to prevent freezer burn, and store for 2-3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even use just sausage depending on your preference and dietary needs.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, hot italian sausage, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture to increase the heat level according to your taste.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust as a base, and ensure all other ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Meat lovers pizza casserole brings classic pizza flavors into a hearty, comforting baked dish that combines melted cheese, savory meats, and rich marinara sauce. Crusty edges, layered proteins, and gooey mozzarella create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb pepperoni
• 0.5 lb italian sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup heavy cream

Base and Seasonings:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 package pizza dough or crescent roll dough
• 1 tbsp italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the ground beef, italian sausage, and pepperoni in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking the meats into small crumbles and draining excess fat.
3. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer that covers the entire surface.
4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses directly over the dough layer, creating a preliminary cheese foundation.
5. Distribute the cooked meat mixture uniformly across the cheese-covered dough, ensuring an even spread of proteins.
6. Drizzle marinara sauce over the meat layer, using a spatula to create a consistent coverage that reaches all edges of the dish.
7. Season the casserole with italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, sprinkling evenly to guarantee balanced flavor in every bite.
8. Pour heavy cream over the entire casserole, which will help create a rich, creamy texture during baking.
9. Top the casserole with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, creating a generous cheese blanket.
10. Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to promote golden browning and enhance overall color.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole base, ensuring crisp and defined layers.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like turkey sausage or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or oregano right before serving to boost freshness and provide a vibrant aromatic lift to the rich dish.
• Use a high-quality marinara sauce to elevate the overall taste, as the sauce significantly impacts the casserole’s core flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg