Hearty Italian Meat Lovers Pizza Bake
Introduction
Hearty Italian Meat Lovers Pizza Bake is a delicious meal that brings all your favorite pizza flavors together. This dish is loaded with meats, cheese, and rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for pizza lovers. It’s easy to prepare and will surely satisfy your hunger!
Why Make This Recipe?
This recipe is great for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s simple to make and can feed a crowd. Plus, you get all the classic pizza tastes without the hassle of making a traditional pizza. It’s hearty, filling, and so yummy!
How to Make Hearty Italian Meat Lovers Pizza Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb crumbled pork sausage
- 1 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 4 teaspoons Italian herbs (divided)
- 1 (26 oz) jar tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pizza dough or crust (optional, for a base)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced pepperoni to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and 2 teaspoons of Italian herbs, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large baking dish, spread the meat mixture evenly. Pour the tomato sauce over it and sprinkle the remaining Italian herbs on top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomato sauce.
- If using pizza dough, stretch it over the top of the baking dish and tuck the edges down, or leave it as is.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Hearty Italian Meat Lovers Pizza Bake
Serve this bake while it’s hot, right out of the oven. You can pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread. Everyone will love digging in for a hearty slice!
How to Store Hearty Italian Meat Lovers Pizza Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for later use; just thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Hearty Italian Meat Lovers Pizza Bake
- Brown the meats well for extra flavor.
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- For a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make sure the cheese is evenly spread for a cheesy bite every time.
Variation (If Any)
To make a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage. You can also use low-fat cheese or skip the crust if you want a meat and sauce dish.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can mix and match meats based on your preference.
- Is this dish spicy? It’s not very spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you like it hot.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it right before serving.