Let me tell you, my cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole is the ultimate comfort food! This hearty dish is layered with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and oodles of melty cheese—it’s like a pizza party in a casserole dish! My family goes wild for this recipe; it’s always a hit at dinner time or when we have friends over. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini), cooked according to package instructions
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’re going to want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect bubbly, golden finish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your oven is heating up, let’s get that pasta going! Cook 2 cups of penne or rotini according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it well and set it aside. I like to give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, but that’s totally your call!
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Remember to break it apart as it cooks! Once it’s all browned and delicious, drain any excess fat. We want flavor, not grease!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Next, it’s time to get creative! To the meat mixture, add in 1 cup of pepperoni slices, 1 jar (24 oz) of pizza sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well combined—oh, the smell is already mouthwatering!
Step 5: Mix in Pasta and Cheese
Now, let’s fold in that cooked pasta along with half of your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Mix it all up until the pasta is coated in that yummy sauce and cheese. You’ll want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Time to bring it all together! Transfer your mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. It’s like a cheesy hug for your taste buds!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps it set a bit, making it easier to serve. But trust me, the wait will be worth it when you dig into that cheesy, meaty goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pot cooking means less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Heaps of gooey, melty cheese and savory meats make every bite a flavor explosion.
- Customizable! Feel free to toss in your favorite pizza toppings for a personal touch.
- Kid-approved! Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this cheesy goodness.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day; it’s like a flavor party in your fridge!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that’ll take your dish to the next level:
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time browning the meat. A good sear brings out the flavor and adds a nice depth to the dish. Plus, those little crispy bits are just divine!
- Use high-quality cheese: Trust me, splurging a bit on good-quality mozzarella and cheddar makes a huge difference. It melts beautifully and gives you that stretchy cheese pull we all love!
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! They enhance the flavors of the meats and cheese. Taste your mixture before baking to ensure it’s just right.
- Mix up your pasta: If you want to switch things up, try using different pasta shapes! Fusilli, shells, or even zoodles for a healthier twist can add a fun texture.
- Add veggies: Sneak in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a little extra nutrition and flavor. They blend in beautifully with the meat and sauce!
- Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes it easier to cut into perfect squares.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different pizza sauces or add a splash of hot sauce for a kick! You can even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for that extra zing.
With these tips, your casserole will be a cheesy, meaty masterpiece that your family and friends will rave about. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so keep that in mind as you whip up this delicious casserole! Here’s a typical breakdown for one serving (1 cup) of my cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
With all that cheesy, meaty goodness, you’re in for a satisfying meal that hits all the right spots! Enjoy your delicious creation and feel good knowing it’s packed with protein and flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use different meats in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite meats like chicken, turkey, or even bacon. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the mix. The more, the merrier when it comes to meat!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
No worries! You can use marinara or spaghetti sauce instead. If you want to amp up the pizza flavor, add some Italian seasoning and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check your pizza sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free as well. This cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole can easily fit into your gluten-free lifestyle!
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the next day!
Can I freeze this casserole?
You bet! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What toppings can I add?
The sky’s the limit! You can get creative with toppings like sliced black olives, green peppers, onions, or even fresh basil after it’s baked. Feel free to jazz it up with whatever your heart desires!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole fresh and delicious for later! Once you’ve enjoyed your feast, make sure to store any leftovers properly. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out and losing that glorious flavor. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can savor it throughout the week!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re in a hurry, just pop a serving in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just be cautious, as it can get super hot! If you want to take your time and enjoy that bubbly cheese again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil. Bake it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is all melty again. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time around!
So, whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheated, you’ll find that this casserole remains a satisfying meal that’s ready to please! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Imprimer
Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: 7 Comfort Food Tips
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty casserole packed with meat and cheese, perfect for pizza lovers.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat and add pepperoni, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute any of your favorite pizza toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 950mg
- La graisse: 25g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole
