Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

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Are you craving the mouthwatering flavors of a classic meat lovers pizza but short on time? Look no further than this scrumptious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe! Perfect for those hectic weeknights or casual gatherings, this hearty dish brings together all the savory elements of pizza in a convenient casserole format. With layers of juicy ground beef, savory pork sausage, zesty pepperoni, and ooey-gooey cheese, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.

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

Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425º F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the skillet.
  3. Add Flavor: To the skillet with the cooked meat, add the chopped pepperoni, all-purpose flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined. Next, pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then remove from heat.
  4. Layer Casserole: Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat mixture.
  5. Prepare Crust: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and carefully place it on top of the cheese layer in the pan. Brush the surface of the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the crust.
  6. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  7. Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into generous portions. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole!

Nutrition Information:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley over the casserole for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Pair with Side Salad: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad tossed with your favorite vinaigrette dressing for a well-rounded meal.
  3. Add Heat with Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, offer red pepper flakes on the side to sprinkle over individual servings.
  4. Serve with Garlic Bread: Accompany the casserole with warm garlic breadsticks or garlic knots for a complete pizza-inspired feast.
  5. Customize Toppings: Encourage guests to customize their portions by offering additional toppings such as sliced olives, diced onions, or bell peppers on the side.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, followed by a layer of freezer-safe plastic wrap or a freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion of the casserole in a preheated oven at 350º F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on high in 1-minute intervals until warmed to your liking.
  5. Refresh with Extra Cheese: Before reheating, sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a fresh and melty finish.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the ground beef and pork sausage. Instead, bulk up the casserole with your favorite vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and black olives. You can also add a meaty texture with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage.
  2. Spicy Twist: Kick up the heat by incorporating spicy Italian sausage or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. For an extra fiery kick, drizzle hot sauce over the finished casserole before serving.
  3. Cheese Lover’s Delight: Experiment with different types of cheese to elevate the flavor profile. Try adding slices of provolone or cheddar cheese between the meat and crust layers, or sprinkle crumbled feta or gorgonzola over the top for a tangy twist.
  4. Customized Toppings: Get creative with your toppings by mixing and matching your favorite pizza ingredients. Consider adding sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted garlic for a unique flavor combination.
  5. Herbaceous Touch: Infuse the casserole with fresh herbs for added depth of flavor. Stir chopped fresh basil, oregano, or thyme into the meat mixture, or sprinkle them over the crust before baking for a fragrant finish.
  6. Greek-Inspired Variation: Give the casserole a Mediterranean flair by using Greek-inspired ingredients. Substitute the tomato basil pasta sauce with tzatziki sauce or a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, and Greek seasoning. Top with crumbled feta cheese, diced gyro meat or grilled chicken, and sliced kalamata olives.
  7. Tex-Mex Twist: Transform the casserole into a Tex-Mex delight by swapping out the Italian flavors for Mexican-inspired ingredients. Use salsa or enchilada sauce as the base, and layer with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced green chilies, and shredded Mexican cheese blend. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro on top.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this casserole? Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough instead of refrigerated pizza crust dough. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
  2. Can I substitute the ground beef and pork sausage with other meats? Absolutely! You can customize the meat mixture by using ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of different meats according to your preference.
  3. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if baking from cold.
  4. Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? Yes, you can freeze leftovers for later enjoyment. Follow proper storage techniques and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. What can I serve alongside this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides such as garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
  6. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe? Absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less pepperoni, using spicy Italian sausage, or incorporating additional chili flakes to suit your taste.
  7. How long does this casserole stay fresh in the refrigerator? When stored properly in an airtight container, this casserole can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Packed with protein-rich meats and gooey cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Give it a try and prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can enjoy the flavors of pizza in a comforting casserole form!