Name: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti); 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 cup pepperoni slices; 3 cups pizza or marinara sauce; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Italian blend cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/2 cup bacon bits or diced ham, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed bake that combines all the best parts of a meat-loaded pizza with the comfort of a pasta casserole. With layers of seasoned beef, sausage, pepperoni, pasta, and melted cheese, it’s a filling dinner I love to serve when I’m feeding a hungry crowd or craving a serious comfort food fix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole takes everything I enjoy about pizza—savory meats, gooey cheese, zesty sauce—and transforms it into an easy, bake-ahead meal. It’s super customizable, uses simple pantry ingredients, and hits the spot every time. Whether it’s game night, a potluck, or a regular family dinner, this dish always disappears fast.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work well)
Ground beef
Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Pepperoni slices
Pizza or marinara sauce
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded cheddar or Italian blend cheese
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Optional: bacon bits, ham, crushed red pepper flakes

directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
I add the ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I stir in the pizza sauce and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
In a large bowl, I toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
I layer half the pasta mixture into the baking dish, top it with a mix of shredded cheeses and a layer of pepperoni, then repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese, and pepperoni.
I bake the casserole uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so dinner’s on the table in around 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped bacon or diced ham for even more meatiness. When I want a little heat, I stir in red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. I’ve also tossed in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for a bit of veggie balance. For a low-carb version, I swap the pasta with cooked cauliflower florets.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven. To reheat a whole casserole, I cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. It also freezes well—just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, I usually go with a good jarred pizza or marinara sauce—it keeps things quick and easy. Homemade sauce works too if I have extra time.

Do I have to cook the pasta first?

Yes, I always cook it until just al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.

What kind of pasta is best?

I like short, sturdy shapes like penne or rotini—they hold the sauce and meat well and bake evenly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. I assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. I just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I make it without pork?

Yes, I’ve used ground beef and turkey pepperoni or substituted the sausage with chicken sausage for a pork-free version—it still turns out delicious.

Conclusion

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the crave-worthy flavors of pizza with the hearty feel of a baked pasta dish. It’s cheesy, meaty, and always satisfying—perfect for feeding a group or enjoying leftovers the next day. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want a dinner that everyone will dig into and enjoy.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole