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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice base)

Description

A hearty and comforting Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that combines savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses layered over a base of cooked pasta or pizza dough. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole delivers bold, meaty flavors with cheesy goodness in every bite. Easy to make with simple ingredients and customizable to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), removed from casing and crumbled
  • 20–25 pepperoni slices
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheeses

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Base

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (any short pasta) or 8 ounces pizza dough pieces, torn into chunks

Optional Add-ins

  • Mini pepperoni or sliced mushrooms (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meats: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook crumbled Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same pan, cook chopped bacon until crispy, then add pepperoni slices briefly just to warm through. Combine all meats in the pan to let flavors meld.
  2. Combine the Sauce and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meats. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow all flavors to blend well.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased casserole dish, spread a layer of cooked pasta or torn pizza dough pieces to form the base. Pour half of the sauce and meat mixture evenly over the base. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Repeat the process with the remaining sauce mixture and meats, then finish with the remaining cheeses spread evenly on top.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Pre-cook meats thoroughly to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
  • Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a balance of gooey stretch and sharpness.
  • Allow the casserole to rest before serving to meld the flavors perfectly.
  • Adjust seasonings and herbs according to personal taste preferences.
  • Layer ingredients evenly to ensure balanced distribution of sauce, cheese, and meats in every bite.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, Italian sausage casserole, pepperoni casserole, bacon casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole recipe

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Find it online: https://easycookvibes.com/meat-lovers-pizza-casserole/