Quick & Savory Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Families

Crafting a delectable meat lovers pizza casserole promises pure comfort food magic for hungry households.

Layers of savory ingredients promise an exciting culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and ham combine in a hearty dish that screams indulgence.

Melted mozzarella creates irresistible golden patches across the top, tempting every taste bud.

Packed with robust flavors, this casserole delivers a simple yet impressive meal perfect for weekend gatherings.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, you’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for future dinner celebrations.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by each mouthwatering bite.

Why Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Is Always A Hit

• Customize with Ease: Transform this recipe by swapping meats, adding vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese blends for a personalized culinary adventure.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplify your cooking process with a single baking dish that combines pizza, pasta, and casserole elements into one delicious meal.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors of pepperoni, cheese, and savory meats, this dish guarantees smiles and clean plates from kids and adults alike.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Brown the meats, layer ingredients, and bake – no complicated techniques required, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pizza Dough: A versatile foundation that creates an even surface for layering other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Helps the exposed dough edges achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Meats that provide a rich, savory protein base with a caramelized exterior.
• Pepperoni Slices: Adds a spicy and classic pizza flavor to the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that distribute even flavor throughout the meat mixture.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic tomato base that complements the meat and cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture when melted with the cheese.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers a classic, stretchy cheese layer that melts beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a golden, crispy finish to the top of the casserole.

Directions For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F and lovingly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous layer of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown The Meat Medley

In a large skillet, transform ground beef and Italian sausage into a delectable blend. Sizzle over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into tantalizing crumbles until each piece boasts a rich, caramelized exterior and no hint of pink remains.

Step 3: Season The Meat Magic

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir enthusiastically to distribute the spices evenly and create a mouth-watering base.

Step 4: Create The Dough Foundation

Gently roll out the pizza dough and press it into the baking dish, ensuring it blankets the entire surface with a perfect, even layer.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

Lavish the dough with marinara sauce, spreading it edge to edge for complete flavor coverage.

Step 6: Layer The Meaty Goodness

Spread the seasoned meat mixture across the sauce, creating a hearty protein-packed foundation.

Step 7: Pepperoni Party

Artfully arrange pepperoni slices, slightly overlapping to maximize deliciousness.

Step 8: Cheese Cascade

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously, allowing it to create a beautiful white landscape across the surface.

Step 9: Creamy Drizzle

Pour heavy cream over the cheese, promising a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 10: Parmesan Finale

Dust the top with parmesan cheese, setting the stage for a golden, crispy masterpiece.

Step 11: Brush The Edges

Tenderly brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil, promising a gorgeous golden-brown finish.

Step 12: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for bubbling cheese and a crust that turns a beautiful golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 13: Rest And Serve

Rescue the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial pause allows the dish to set, making slicing a breeze and flavors to meld beautifully.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Maximize Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef and sausage on high heat for a deeper, caramelized taste that adds rich complexity to the dish.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Pat meat dry before adding to pizza dough to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crispy base.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Drizzle heavy cream over cheese to create a luxurious, smooth melting texture that elevates the entire casserole.
• Quick Browning Hack: Brush pizza dough edges with olive oil to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and enhance overall appearance.
• Serving Pro Tip: Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set, making slicing easier and preventing filling from running.

Fun Ways To Change Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Low-Carb Pizza Casserole: Replace pizza dough with cauliflower rice or zucchini crust for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains delicious flavor.
• Vegetarian Pizza Bake: Swap ground meats with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, and bell peppers to create a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Casserole: Use gluten-free pizza dough or almond flour crust to accommodate wheat sensitivities while preserving the classic pizza taste.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, spinach, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired interpretation of the traditional pizza casserole.

What To Pair With Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the cheesy texture, enhancing every bite with its bold tannins.
• Crisp Side Salad Solution: Create a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the heaviness of the casserole, adding refreshing brightness and palate-cleansing acidity.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that matches the dish's intense flavor profile, with malty undertones that highlight the ground beef and spicy pepperoni notes.

Best Storage For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months; place in freezer-safe container to maintain quality.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes at 50% power to prevent drying out.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, then uncover last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs For Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, refrigerated pizza dough works perfectly and saves time. You can find it in most grocery store refrigerated sections near prepared breads and biscuits.

• Is it okay to substitute the meats?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just ensure you brown them similarly and season well for maximum flavor.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for golden brown cheese, bubbling edges, and a crispy crust. The cheese should be completely melted and slightly caramelized around the edges.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole brings together classic pizza flavors in a comforting one-dish meal packed with savory meats and melted cheese. Bold ingredients and simple preparation make this crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for quick family dinners you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb pepperoni
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage

Cheese & Dairy:

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Base & Seasonings:

• 2 cups pizza dough
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 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. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains and a rich, caramelized exterior develops.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Roll out the pizza dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base that covers the entire surface.
5. Spread marinara sauce across the dough, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Layer the cooked meat mixture over the sauce, creating a substantial protein-rich foundation.
7. Arrange pepperoni slices across the meat layer, overlapping slightly for maximum coverage.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the pepperoni, allowing it to cascade across the entire surface.
9. Drizzle heavy cream over the cheese layer to enhance richness and promote creamy melting.
10. Top with parmesan cheese, creating a golden, crispy finish.
11. Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to promote beautiful browning.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

• Optimize meat browning by using a cast-iron skillet for deeper caramelization and enhanced flavor development.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent soggy casserole base and reduce excess greasiness for a more appealing texture.
• Experiment with different meat combinations like chorizo or ground turkey to customize protein profile and create unique flavor variations.
• Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for low-carb and celiac-friendly alternative without compromising taste and texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg