This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day feasts! Loaded with savory ground beef, pepperoni, gooey melted cheese, and pasta, this casserole brings all the flavors of a meat lover’s pizza into a comforting, baked dish.
Pair it with a cheesy garlic dressing drizzle for an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheesy Garlic Dressing (Optional but Recommended!):
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain & Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat & Sauce
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper until the beef is browned and vegetables are soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove any extra grease from the skillet.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat mixture. Stir until well blended.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Finish by adding the remaining cheese and pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Cheesy Garlic Dressing (Optional but Amazing!)
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, shredded Parmesan, and milk.
- Adjust Consistency: If needed, add more milk to thin it out.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: This dressing is perfectly drizzled over your casserole or served as a dipping sauce!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from Oven: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Drizzle with Cheesy Garlic Dressing for a flavor explosion!
Cooking Notes
- Add More Meat: Include cooked bacon, sausage, or diced ham for a true “meat lovers” experience.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, olives, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic toast on the side makes this meal complete.
- As a Game Day Dish: Serve at football parties, tailgates, or potlucks—it’s always a hit!
- With a Side Salad: Balance out the richness with a fresh Caesar or garden salad.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze before baking—just cover tightly with foil and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cook time.
- Leftovers? No Problem! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Without Dressing)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Conclusion
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with cheesy, meaty, pizza-inspired flavors. It’s easy to make, crowd-friendly, and absolutely delicious. The cheesy garlic dressing drizzle takes it to the next level, making this a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Try it today and bring the bold flavors of pizza night to your dinner table! 🍕🔥
PrintMeat Lovers Pizza Casserole with Cheesy Garlic Dressing
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Cheesy Garlic Dressing (Optional but Recommended!):
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain & Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat & Sauce
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper until the beef is browned and vegetables are soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove any extra grease from the skillet.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat mixture. Stir until well blended.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Finish by adding the remaining cheese and pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Cheesy Garlic Dressing (Optional but Amazing!)
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, shredded Parmesan, and milk.
- Adjust Consistency: If needed, add more milk to thin it out.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: This dressing is perfectly drizzled over your casserole or served as a dipping sauce!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from Oven: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Drizzle with Cheesy Garlic Dressing for a flavor explosion!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g