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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 cup pepperoni slices - 1 cup diced ham - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cups marinara sauce - 12 oz pasta (cavatappi or penne work well) - Olive oil for sautéing - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste When I create my Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, I always start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The meat is the star here. I use ground beef and Italian sausage for rich flavor. The pepperoni and diced ham add a nice touch of saltiness and variety. For dairy, I love a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar gives a tangy punch. This combo creates a gooey, delicious layer on top. Next, I include fresh veggies. Diced red bell pepper and onion add sweetness and crunch. They also bring color to the dish, making it more appealing. Don't forget the pantry staples! Marinara sauce ties everything together. I choose a good brand or make my own for the best taste. The pasta is vital too; I prefer cavatappi or penne. These shapes hold sauce well and add texture. Finally, I season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. A drizzle of olive oil helps sauté the vegetables and meat, adding depth to the flavor. All these ingredients come together to create a comforting dish that my family loves. For the complete list, check the Full Recipe. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for cooking. 2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it's al dente. Drain it and set it aside. The right pasta texture matters for a great casserole. 3. Prepare the meat mixture in a skillet. Heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and 1 lb of Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned. 1. Mix the pasta with the meat sauce. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 cup of pepperoni and 1 cup of diced ham, heating them through for about 2-3 minutes. 2. Transfer to a baking dish. Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce, combining everything well. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with this meaty sauce. Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese. 3. Add cheese on top. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy finish. 1. Bake until cheese is melted. Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. 2. Cooling and serving recommendations. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. For added flair, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy the flavors of your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with friends and family! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Choosing the right pasta: I love using cavatappi or penne for this dish. These shapes hold the sauce well. They add a fun twist to each bite. You can also try rigatoni if you want. - Importance of not overcooking pasta: Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This means firm to the bite. If you overcook it, the pasta will get mushy in the oven. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of cooking time. Drain it and set it aside right away. - Suggestions for additional toppings: You can add sliced olives or mushrooms for extra flavor. Crushed red pepper will give it some heat. If you want a smoky taste, try adding bacon bits. - Using fresh herbs for garnish: Fresh basil or parsley makes a great garnish. Not only does it look nice, but it also adds fresh flavor. Add it just before serving for the best taste. - Best ways to serve and present the casserole: Serve the casserole hot from the oven. Use a large spoon to scoop it out. For a beautiful touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over it for extra flavor. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meats in this casserole. If you like chicken, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Ground turkey also works well. For a bit of a kick, try adding spicy sausage. If you want to go meatless, replace the meat with mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use chickpeas for protein. These swaps still give you a hearty dish. Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. While mozzarella and cheddar are favorites, you can play around with cheese blends. Try using provolone for a smooth texture. Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. If you want some tang, goat cheese can be a fun option. If you are dairy-free, there are many plant-based cheeses available. Look for options made from nuts or soy for a tasty twist. The type of pasta you use can change the dish's texture. Cavatappi and penne are great choices, but you can try rotini or fusilli too. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. This will still give you that hearty feel. You can also choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Each type adds its unique flavor and texture, so don’t be afraid to experiment. When I make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, I always have leftovers. To store them properly, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze the casserole, first cool it completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil. This prevents freezer burn. Store the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. When stored this way, it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, you have a few choices. The oven gives the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 2-3 minutes. Lastly, you can reheat on the stovetop. Just warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. Enjoy your delicious casserole! A Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty dish packed with meats, cheese, and pasta. It pulls flavors from classic pizza. You get ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and diced ham all in one pan. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and game nights. Its origins come from combining the best of pizza and pasta into a comforting meal. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. You can also store leftovers in the fridge. They will last about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it. Wrap it well and it can last up to 3 months. To add heat, you have many options. Consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of regular. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mix. For an extra kick, mix in some hot sauce with the marinara sauce. Another fun idea is to top the casserole with spicy pepper jack cheese before baking. This blog post shared a recipe for a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. We discussed key ingredients like meats, cheeses, and fresh produce. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, easy tips, and variations to suit different tastes. This dish is great for family meals and gatherings. Experiment with different meats and toppings to make it your own. With its rich flavors and simple prep, you’re sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking!

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate Meat Lovers Delight Pizza Casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings! This hearty dish combines ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ham layered with pasta and a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Get ready to impress with this easy, flavor-packed recipe. Click through to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 cup pepperoni slices

1 cup diced ham

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

3 cups marinara sauce

12 oz pasta (cavatappi or penne work well)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.

      In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

        Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

          Stir in the pepperoni and diced ham, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

            Pour in the marinara sauce, mixing everything together thoroughly. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.

              In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture. Carefully fold in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese.

                Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the remaining mozzarella and cheddar over the top.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                    Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 55 mins | Servings: 8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. For extra flavor, drizzle with olive oil before serving.