Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole packs all the savory flavors of a meat lover’s pizza into a hearty pasta bake. Loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, crisp bacon, and pepperoni tossed with pasta and marinara, it’s finished under a bubbly layer of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Penne or rotini pasta | 12 ounces |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Crumbled Italian sausage | 1/2 pound |
| Pepperoni slices | 1/2 cup |
| Cooked and crumbled bacon | 1/2 cup |
| Marinara sauce or pizza sauce | 2 cups |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) |
Step-By-Step Directions:
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Cook pasta: Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
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Brown meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage until fully browned and cooked through, then drain off any excess grease.
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Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, cooked meat mixture, pepperoni, crumbled bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss until everything is well coated in sauce.
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Assemble casserole: Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
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Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the top cheese layer is melted and bubbly.
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Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes to set before slicing into generous portions and serving warm.
