Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with Cheesy Garlic Dressing

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

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain & Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat & Sauce

  1. 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).
  2. Drain Excess Fat: Remove any extra grease from the skillet.
  3. Season the Mixture: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat mixture. Stir until well blended.
  2. 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. 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!)

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, shredded Parmesan, and milk.
  2. Adjust Consistency: If needed, add more milk to thin it out.
  3. Chill or Serve Immediately: This dressing is perfectly drizzled over your casserole or served as a dipping sauce!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Remove from Oven: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  3. 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

  1. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
  2. 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.
  3. 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! 🍕🔥

Print
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with Cheesy Garlic Dressing


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain & Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat & Sauce

  1. 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).
  2. Drain Excess Fat: Remove any extra grease from the skillet.
  3. Season the Mixture: Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat mixture. Stir until well blended.
  2. 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. 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!)

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, shredded Parmesan, and milk.
  2. Adjust Consistency: If needed, add more milk to thin it out.
  3. Chill or Serve Immediately: This dressing is perfectly drizzled over your casserole or served as a dipping sauce!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Remove from Oven: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  3. 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