The Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a delectable meat lovers pizza casserole sparks culinary excitement for passionate home cooks.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a mouthwatering meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Melted cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon create an irresistible combination that feels like comfort on a plate.

Families gather around the table, anticipating each delicious bite of this hearty dish.

Every forkful delivers a perfect blend of classic pizza flavors in a convenient casserole format.

Bold seasonings and rich meats make this recipe a standout choice for weekend dinners.

FAQs

• What meats can I use in this casserole?

You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. The recipe is flexible and allows you to choose your preferred protein combination.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free pizza crust and replace regular flour with gluten-free flour. This will help maintain the recipe’s structure and flavor.

• Is this pizza casserole kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of pizza flavors and the easy-to-eat casserole style. The mix of meats and cheeses makes it appealing to children.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can easily mix in diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce while cooking. This adds extra nutrition and flavor to the casserole.

Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Experience

• Customize Your Comfort: Perfect for pizza lovers who want a hearty, one-dish meal that combines classic pizza flavors with casserole convenience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Power: Packed with multiple meats like ground beef, turkey, and pepperoni, this dish delivers a protein-rich dinner that satisfies big appetites and meat enthusiasts.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste or excitement.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar pizza-inspired ingredients and cheesy, savory profile that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

Must-Have Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Rich proteins that create a hearty base for the casserole.
• Turkey Pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza flavor with a leaner meat option.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide creamy, melty texture and classic pizza-style topping.

• Pizza Crust Dough: Serves as the foundational layer for the casserole.
• Pasta Sauce: Brings traditional tomato flavor and moisture to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning: Delivers authentic pizza herb blend for robust flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the meat sauce and create a consistent texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps crisp the pizza crust bottom.

Crafting the Perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat Medley

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and ground turkey over medium heat. Break up the meat into small pieces as it sizzles.

Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice Up the Meat Mixture

• Turkey pepperoni
• Italian seasoning
• Flour

Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Create a Saucy Base

Pour in the pasta sauce and let the mixture simmer. Allow the ingredients to mingle and develop a rich flavor for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Prepare the Pizza Foundation

Unroll the pizza crust dough and carefully spread it across the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the crust and sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning.

Step 6: Layer the Delicious Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crispy. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Insider Advice to Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Perfection

• Choose ground beef or turkey with lower fat content to reduce overall calorie and grease levels in the casserole.
• Use part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheese varieties for a healthier version without compromising flavor.
• Opt for low-sodium pasta sauce and reduced-sodium pepperoni to manage salt intake while maintaining delicious taste.
• Add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and added texture.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and freeze before baking, making it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Flavorful Alternatives to Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Veggie Lovers Pizza Casserole: Replace ground meats with a mix of chopped zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, keeping the same cooking method and seasoning.
• Spicy Mexican Pizza Casserole: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, use salsa instead of pasta sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese and sliced jalapeños.
• Mediterranean Pizza Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and use a blend of herbs like oregano and basil for a Greek-inspired version.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza Casserole: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, replace pasta sauce with BBQ sauce, and add caramelized onions and smoked gouda cheese for extra flavor.

Pairings That Bring Out Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors with a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that stands up to the hearty casserole's intense taste profile.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy dish with a light, tangy mixed greens salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add freshness.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Enhance the meal with warm, buttery garlic bread that helps soak up the delicious meat sauce and provides a crunchy textural contrast.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that matches the casserole's bold flavors and helps cleanse the palate between savory bites.

Storing Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole to Maintain Taste

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.

Wrap portions securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.

Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent meat lovers pizza casserole combines hearty layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, and classic pizza flavors in one comforting dish. Packed with pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, this crowd-pleasing meal satisfies deep cravings and brings family and friends together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
• 1 cup chopped turkey or beef pepperoni

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 (26-ounce) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
• 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Brown ground beef and ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking and removing excess grease.
3. Incorporate pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and flour into the meat mixture, stirring for approximately one minute to develop robust flavors.
4. Pour pasta sauce into the skillet, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld together for 5-7 minutes on low heat.
5. Stretch pizza crust dough across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling remaining Italian seasoning for enhanced taste.
6. Evenly distribute the meat sauce across the crust, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire surface.
7. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese becomes melted and slightly bubbling.
9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving to help set the layers and enhance flavor cohesion.

Notes

• Swap ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse protein options.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, provolone, or dairy-free alternatives to suit various dietary preferences.
• Adjust Italian seasoning and add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to personalize the heat intensity according to taste.
• Replace pizza crust with cauliflower crust or zucchini base for a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg