Oh, a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole — cheesy, hearty, and packed with all your favorite meats and pizza flavors! Here’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipe for that.
🍕🥩 Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup Italian sausage, casing removed
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1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
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8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
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1 cup sliced black olives (optional)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Olive oil
Instructions:
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Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Brown ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion until meat is cooked through and onions are soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
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Add pepperoni and sauce: Stir in chopped pepperoni, pizza sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
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Combine pasta and meat sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and meat sauce mixture.
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Assemble casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the pasta mixture in the dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining pasta and cheeses.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra oregano or fresh basil if desired.
Tips:
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Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra veggies and spice.
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Swap pepperoni for cooked bacon or ham for variety.
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Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.