What ingredients do I need to make a meat pizza casserole?

For a classic meat pizza casserole, you’ll need 2 jars (24 ounces each) of pasta or marinara sauce, 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or your preferred type), 1 box (16 ounces) of short pasta such as rigatoni or rotini, 1 bag (12 ounces) of shredded mozzarella cheese, and about 1 cup of pepperoni slices with some reserved for topping. Optional ingredients include 1 cup cubed ham or a substitute of ground beef, 2 teaspoons minced garlic or garlic powder, 1 medium chopped onion, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. For extra flavor, shredded mild cheddar and grated parmesan cheese may be added.

Can I substitute Italian sausage for ground beef in a meat pizza casserole?

Yes, Italian sausage can be substituted with ground beef or a combination of meats like ground beef and ham. Ground beef has a milder flavor compared to the spiced Italian sausage, so consider adjusting seasonings accordingly. Cooking times remain similar, but browning the meat fully before assembling helps develop flavor and texture.

What type of pasta works best in meat pizza casserole recipes?

Short pasta shapes such as rigatoni, rotini, or penne are preferred because they hold sauce well and blend nicely with cheese and meats. Their ridges and spiral shapes trap flavorful sauce, ensuring each bite is moist and savory. However, many other short pasta types can work depending on availability and personal preference.

How do I bake meat pizza casserole in different cookware?

The casserole can be baked in a standard 9x13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron. When using a skillet, preheat it slightly and reduce baking time if needed since skillets distribute heat differently for a crispier crust. Baking uncovered at 350-375°F until cheese bubbles and toppings are crisp usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Meat Pizza Casserole Recipe: Hearty Pepperoni & Meat Lovers

Name: Hearty Pepperoni and Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485932H52M19S
Total time: PT-485932H52M19S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 jars (24 ounces each) pasta or marinara sauce; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or as preferred), browned; 1 box (16 ounces) rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta; 1 bag (12 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 bag or about 1 cup pepperoni slices, some reserved for topping; Optional: 1 cup cubed ham or substitute/combination with ground beef; 2 teaspoons minced garlic or garlic powder; 1 medium onion, chopped (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Optional: shredded mild cheddar and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor

Description

🍕 Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that combines savory meats and melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
🧀 Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this budget-friendly dish is kid-friendly and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

Scale

2 jars (24 ounces each) pasta or marinara sauce
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or as preferred), browned
1 box (16 ounces) rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta
1 bag (12 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 bag or about 1 cup pepperoni slices, some reserved for topping
Optional: 1 cup cubed ham or substitute/combination with ground beef
2 teaspoons minced garlic or garlic powder
1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: shredded mild cheddar and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in boiling water until just under al dente to prevent mushiness after baking; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the Italian sausage along with chopped onions (if using), garlic, and Italian seasoning until cooked through. If using ground beef or ham, incorporate them accordingly. Drain excess grease if necessary.
4. In a large mixing bowl or the skillet, combine the cooked pasta, browned meat mixture, marinara sauce, chunked pepperoni, and a portion of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well. For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar or parmesan at this stage if desired.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining mozzarella cheese and reserved pepperoni slices. Sprinkle grated parmesan over the top if using.
6. Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes, depending on oven temperature, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the pepperoni edges are crispy.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

🍝 Avoid overcooking the pasta during boiling as it finishes cooking in the oven.
🥶 The casserole can be assembled ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months; bake from frozen but extend cooking time as needed.
🥩 Substitute or combine meats like ground beef, turkey, chicken, sausage, ham, and pepperoni to suit taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg