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To create the savory meat lovers pizza casserole, you will need a mix of hearty ingredients. Here is what you should gather for the dish: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 cup pepperoni slices - 1 cup diced ham - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 4 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor. You want the ground beef and Italian sausage to provide a rich, meaty base. The pepperoni and ham add extra savory depth. Onions and garlic bring a sweet aroma, while the pizza sauce and diced tomatoes give that classic pizza taste. The cooked pasta helps bind everything together, making it filling. For the cheeses, mozzarella gives a gooey texture, and cheddar adds sharpness. The seasonings enhance the flavors, and optional red pepper flakes let you control the heat. Don’t forget the fresh basil at the end; it adds color and a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps to enjoy this delightful casserole. 1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. 2. Cook the meat: In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is brown and fully cooked. 3. Sauté onion and garlic: Drain any fat from the skillet. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and smells good. 1. Incorporate sauce and seasonings: Now, stir in 1 cup of pepperoni, 1 cup of diced ham, 1 can of pizza sauce, and 1 can of drained diced tomatoes. Add 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for spice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes. 2. Mix in cooked pasta: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Gently stir until the pasta is well-covered in sauce. 1. Layering instructions: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place half of the pasta mixture in the dish. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. 2. Cover and bake: Add the rest of the pasta mixture. Finish with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. 3. Final baking steps: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy this hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole! To ensure even cooking, layer your ingredients well. Start with a meat layer, then cheese, followed by pasta. This helps all parts cook through at the same rate. Use a thermometer to check that your casserole reaches 165°F (74°C) in the center. This way, you know it is safe to eat. To avoid a soggy casserole, don't over-sauce your dish. Use just enough pizza sauce and diced tomatoes to coat the pasta well. Also, make sure to drain the tomatoes properly before adding them. This keeps excess moisture out. Garnish your casserole with fresh basil leaves for color and taste. You can also sprinkle extra mozzarella on top right before serving. This adds a nice touch and a cheesy pull. For sides, a light salad pairs well. Consider a simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing. This helps balance the rich flavors of the casserole. You can also serve garlic bread for a comforting touch. You can adjust spices based on your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You could even mix in a bit of hot sauce for extra kick. For cheese variations, try using provolone or parmesan alongside mozzarella. Mixing cheeses gives more depth to your casserole. You can also use a cheese blend for added flavor. These tweaks can make your dish unique and delicious. For the full recipe, check out "Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole." Enjoy cooking! {{image_4}} You can easily change the meats in this casserole. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. If you want more flavor, add some bacon bits. For a fun twist, swap the pepperoni for spicy salami. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace all meats with hearty veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for texture. You can also add plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for protein. To make your casserole unique, think about adding different toppings. Sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or fresh spinach can give it a fresh taste. If you love heat, consider adding jalapeños or banana peppers on top. You can also switch up the sauces. Instead of pizza sauce, use pesto or Alfredo sauce for a creamy touch. A BBQ sauce can add a sweet and smoky flavor. Experimenting can lead to a new family favorite. For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins. This makes it easy for guests to grab their own serving. You can also add a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to round out the meal. If you plan ahead, make this casserole in advance. Assemble it and store it in the fridge for up to a day. You can even freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it overnight before baking. You can enjoy your savory meat lovers pizza casserole any time! To store your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, always let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want the best taste, eat it within two days. For freshness, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it's best to throw it out. When you want to enjoy leftovers, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. However, this method may not keep the texture as nice. If you choose the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to help it warm evenly. To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely. Cut it into serving-size pieces for easy meals later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is hot all the way through. Enjoy your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole any time! For the detailed cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. How to make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole gluten-free? To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options. Check your pizza sauce and diced tomatoes for gluten-free labels. You can enjoy a great meal without gluten. Can I use uncooked pasta? You can use uncooked pasta, but it needs more liquid. Add a bit more pizza sauce or water to keep it moist. Cook it longer to ensure it is soft. What can I substitute if I don’t have certain meats? You can swap meats based on what you have. Use cooked chicken, turkey, or even vegetables for a veggie version. Just make sure to maintain the total weight. Caloric content per serving One serving of this casserole has about 500-600 calories. This can vary based on the types of meat and cheese used. Protein and fat breakdown Each serving packs around 30 grams of protein, thanks to the meats and cheese. The fat content is about 25-35 grams, depending on the cheese and sausage you choose. Creative ways to use leftover casserole Leftovers make great lunches. You can slice it and use it in a sandwich. Or, crumble it into a salad for a savory twist. Meal prep ideas with leftovers Use the casserole as a base for a new meal. Add fresh veggies or a different sauce. You can even mix it with rice for a new dish. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. We looked at all the ingredients needed and how to prepare them step by step. I shared tips for great flavor and cooking techniques to avoid common issues. You can even change the recipe with your favorite ingredients. In conclusion, this dish is fun to make and share. It’s perfect for family meals or gatherings. I encourage you to try it and make it your own! You’ll enjoy every bite!

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Indulge in this Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that brings all your favorite pizza flavors together in a delicious bake! Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and loads of gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners or game nights. In just 50 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to make this comforting casserole tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 cup pepperoni slices

1 cup diced ham

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

4 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked casserole.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break the meat into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

      Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

        Stir in the pepperoni slices, diced ham, pizza sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

          In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture. Gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the savory sauce.

            Transfer half of the pasta and meat mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.

              Layer the remaining pasta and meat mixture on top of the cheese, then finish with the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

                Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to maintain moisture and bake for 20 minutes.

                  Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbly.

                    Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

                        - Presentation Tips: Garnish the casserole with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a colorful finish. Pair it with a light, crisp side salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.