Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe for Family Fun

Comfort food reaches new heights with this meat lovers pizza casserole that combines the best of two worlds.

Hearty layers of savory ingredients create a mouthwatering dish packed with incredible flavor.

Pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef meld together in a delicious cheesy ensemble that satisfies even the most intense cravings.

Melted mozzarella blankets the rich meat mixture, creating a golden-brown top that promises pure deliciousness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, juicy center.

The casserole brings together classic pizza elements in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to dive into a meal that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

FAQs

• What meats are used in this pizza casserole?

Ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni are the three types of meat used in this hearty casserole, creating a protein-packed and flavorful dish.

• Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of unrolled pizza crust?

Yes, you can substitute pre-made pizza dough or even homemade pizza dough for the unrolled pizza crust in this recipe. Just ensure it covers the top of the casserole completely.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. It’s an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, satisfying meal.

• How spicy is this pizza casserole?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or choose spicy Italian sausage if you want more heat. The current recipe offers a mild, savory flavor profile.

Why Everyone Loves Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Combines multiple meat types like beef, sausage, and pepperoni for a rich, hearty taste that satisfies serious meat cravings.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: One-pan casserole design reduces kitchen cleanup and offers a straightforward cooking process perfect for busy home cooks.
• Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: Transforms classic pizza ingredients into a comforting casserole that appeals to both children and adults at family gatherings or potlucks.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Requires minimal preparation steps and bakes quickly, making it an ideal meal for families seeking delicious and fast dinner options.

What Goes Into Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor to the casserole.
• Italian Sausage: Spicy and savory meat that brings extra depth.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping with bold, zesty taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty white cheese that stretches perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds a tangy punch.

• Pizza Crust: Pre-made dough that creates a golden crispy topping.
• Pasta Sauce: Smooth and flavorful base that ties all ingredients together.

• Olive Oil, Flour, Italian Seasoning: Helpful ingredients that enhance overall texture and taste.

Easy Steps to Build Your Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Space

Heat your oven to a toasty 425º F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

Grab a large skillet and cook your ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat.

Keep stirring until the meats are completely cooked through and no pink remains.

Drain off any excess fat, then return the meats to the skillet.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Pepperoni slices
• Flour
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together until well combined.

Pour in your pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a quick boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Create the Casserole Foundation

Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Add the Pizza Crust Topping

Carefully unroll your pizza crust and lay it over the cheese layer.

• Remaining Italian seasoning
• Additional mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust that’s crispy and inviting.

Smart Ideas for a Better Pizza Casserole Experience

• Brush pizza crust with olive oil to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top that adds extra flavor and texture to the casserole.
• Drain ground beef and sausage thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a more concentrated, rich meat flavor in the dish.
• Sprinkle cheese in layers for even melting and maximum cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
• Swap ground beef or sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this hearty dish.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze before baking – simply thaw and bake when ready to enjoy a quick, delicious meal.

How to Store and Warm Up Leftover Pizza Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Wrap portions in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place refrigerated casserole in 350°F preheated oven. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, use microwave at 50% power. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tasty Pairings for Pizza Casserole Nights

• Enhance Pizza Casserole Pairings
• Uncork Bold Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti perfectly complement the rich meat flavors, cutting through the cheese's heaviness and matching the pizza's robust profile.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding fresh, zesty notes that cleanse the palate between bites.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale to stand up to the meaty, cheesy layers, providing a refreshing contrast and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Cool Cucumber Side: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with dill and light vinegar dressing to add a cool, tangy element that brightens the hearty casserole's intense flavors.

Variations to Try with Pizza Casserole

• Low-Carb Pizza Casserole: Replace pizza crust with cauliflower crust or zucchini rounds. Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Pizza Casserole: Swap meat with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable marinara sauce and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and spinach.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Casserole: Use gluten-free flour and replace pizza crust with gluten-free pizza dough or thinly sliced eggplant. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean-Style Pizza Casserole: Replace pepperoni with sliced kalamata olives. Add crumbled feta cheese, diced artichokes, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent Kentucky butter cake cookies melt with rich, buttery goodness from Southern baking traditions. Creamy glazed treats promise delightful comfort that brings sweet memories to your dessert table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until achieving a light, airy texture with a pale color, approximately 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth consistency.
4. Gently fold in vanilla extract, providing a rich aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.
5. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Use a tablespoon to drop uniform cookie portions onto parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining consistent spacing between each cookie.
7. Slide the baking sheets into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.
8. Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to stabilize their structure.
9. Transfer the cookies to wire cooling racks, permitting them to cool completely and develop their signature buttery texture.

Notes

• Soften butter completely at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
• Use room temperature eggs to prevent ingredient separation and ensure even mixing.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dense results.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 133
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg