easy Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

Introduction

If you love pizza but want something a little more filling, this Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with ground beef, pork sausage, pepperoni, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish offers all your favorite pizza toppings in a comforting, baked casserole. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day parties!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the flavors of a loaded meat pizza and the heartiness of a casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Plus, it’s an ideal way to feed a family or a group of friends with minimal effort.

How to Make Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound pork sausage, crumbled
  • 1 cup chopped pepperoni
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1 (26-ounce) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and crumbled pork sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add Pepperoni and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and flour. Mix until everything is well combined and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Combine with Sauce: Pour the tomato basil pasta sauce into the meat mixture and stir until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the meat and sauce mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat.
  6. Add the Dough: Unroll the pizza crust dough and cut it into strips or pieces. Layer the dough over the cheese and meat mixture.
  7. Top with Remaining Mixture: Pour the remaining meat and sauce mixture over the pizza dough. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
  8. Bake: Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!

How to Serve Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

This casserole is best served hot, fresh from the oven. Slice it into squares and serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for casual dinners or as a hearty dish for a game-day spread.

How to Store Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Tips to Make Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Try adding some sharp cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake the casserole.
  • Crust Variation: For a crispier crust, bake the dough on its own for a few minutes before layering it into the casserole.

Variations

  • Vegetable Add-ins: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Different Meats: Try adding bacon or ham for an even meatier version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes, you can substitute pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer a lighter option.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I make this casserole without the pizza dough?
A: Yes, you can skip the dough layer for a low-carb version of this dish. It will still be delicious with all the meat, sauce, and cheese!

Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound pork sausage crumbled
  • 1 cup chopped pepperoni
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • 1 26-ounce jar tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 13.8-ounce can refrigerated pizza crust dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and crumbled pork sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add Pepperoni and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and flour. Mix until everything is well combined and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Combine with Sauce: Pour the tomato basil pasta sauce into the meat mixture and stir until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the meat and sauce mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat.
  • Add the Dough: Unroll the pizza crust dough and cut it into strips or pieces. Layer the dough over the cheese and meat mixture.
  • Top with Remaining Mixture: Pour the remaining meat and sauce mixture over the pizza dough. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
  • Bake: Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly

Notes

Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating