Craving all the flavors of a hearty pizza but want something even more comforting? Meet the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole — a bold, satisfying dish that turns everyone’s favorite pizza into a bubbly, cheesy bake.
It’s packed with savory beef, spicy sausage, zesty pepperoni, and loads of gooey cheese, all tucked under a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Once you pull this bubbly masterpiece out of the oven, the mouthwatering aroma will have everyone gathering around the table. Let’s dive into the ultimate comfort food experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with all the rich, meaty flavors of your favorite pizza.
- Easy to assemble and great for feeding a crowd.
- Super versatile — you can tweak it with your favorite toppings.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment Needed: 9×13-inch baking dish, large skillet, wooden spoon, pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef — Adds hearty, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 lb pork sausage — Infuses the casserole with juicy, spicy notes.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni — Brings a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour — Helps thicken the meat mixture for a hearty filling.
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided — Layers the dish with herby, aromatic depth.
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce — Gives a rich, tangy base that ties everything together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese — Melts into gooey, irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough — Forms a tender, golden topping.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil — Helps the crust bake up golden and flavorful.
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese — Adds a salty, nutty finish on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and sausage together until browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Unroll the pizza dough and carefully place it over the cheese layer.
- Brush the top of the dough with olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations to Try
- Add veggies like mushrooms, green peppers, or onions for a “Supreme” version.
- Swap the pork sausage for spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a fun twist.
- Make it “Hawaiian style” by adding diced ham and pineapple.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating
- Storage: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Add garlic breadsticks on the side for an ultimate comfort meal.
- Pair with a cold, crisp beer or a glass of bold red wine for the adults.
Pro Tips
- For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes on a baking sheet before layering it on top.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella — it melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to help everything set beautifully before slicing.
If you’re a pizza lover, this casserole will absolutely steal your heart. It’s cozy, indulgent, and packed with layers of bold flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s super customizable for whatever cravings hit. Make it once, and you’ll have it on repeat — guaranteed!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Craving all the flavors of a hearty pizza but want something even more comforting? Meet the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole — a bold, satisfying dish that turns everyone’s favorite pizza into a bubbly, cheesy bake.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and sausage together until browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Unroll the pizza dough and carefully place it over the cheese layer.
- Brush the top of the dough with olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
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