Are you craving the comforting flavors of pizza but looking for a creative twist? Look no further than this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe! Packed with savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty Italian seasoning, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe:
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb pork sausage
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pepperoni
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
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425º F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain well and return to the skillet.
Add pepperoni, flour, and 3 tsp Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and stir until the mixture is heated through.
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Unroll the pizza crust dough and carefully place it on top of the cheese layer.
Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese over the crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this unique twist on traditional pizza!
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Pair with Side Salad: Serve this cheesy casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete and balanced meal.
Add Heat: If you enjoy a bit of heat, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over individual servings for an extra kick.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences. Add diced onions, sliced mushrooms, or your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized touch.
Serve with Dipping Sauce: Accompany the casserole with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the pizza-inspired experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Refresh Before Serving: If the casserole seems dry after reheating, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top before serving to add moisture and flavor.
Related recipes:
FAQs:
Can I Use Different Meats in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the combination of ground beef and pork sausage lends a rich flavor to the casserole, feel free to experiment with other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or even diced ham. Customize it to your taste preferences or based on what you have on hand.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or for entertaining guests. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
Can I Freeze Leftover Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for batch cooking or for saving leftovers for future meals. Once cooled, portion any leftover casserole into individual servings or store it as a whole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then label with the date and contents before placing it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Can I Serve Alongside This Casserole?
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, garlic breadsticks, or roasted vegetables. You can also offer dipping sauces such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing for an extra burst of flavor. Feel free to get creative and tailor the sides to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is perfect for satisfying your pizza cravings without the hassle of making individual pies. With its hearty combination of meats, gooey cheese, and flavorful seasonings, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Give this recipe a try for your next dinner, and watch it disappear in no time!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 35minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Are you craving the comforting flavors of pizza but looking for a creative twist? Look no further than this mouthwatering Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole recipe! Packed with savory meats, gooey cheese, and zesty Italian seasoning, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb pork sausage
1 cup chopped pepperoni
¼ 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 oven to 425º F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Cook ground beef and sausage in a skillet until no longer pink, then drain.
- Add pepperoni, flour, and 3 tsp Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring until blended. Stir in pasta sauce, bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Spoon mixture into prepared pan, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Unroll pizza crust and place on top of mozzarella cheese. Brush crust with olive oil and sprinkle with remaining Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Customize toppings to your liking, such as adding diced onions or sliced mushrooms.
Serve with a side salad or dipping sauces for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
