Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole packs all the savory flavors of a loaded pizza into a cozy, comforting pasta bake. Featuring penne tossed with ground beef, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce, it gets baked beneath a bubbling blanket of 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 |
| Italian sausage, crumbled | 1/2 pound |
| Pepperoni slices | 1/2 cup |
| Cooked and crumbled bacon | 1/2 cup |
| Marinara 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 (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Step-By-Step Directions:
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Cook pasta: Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
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Brown meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and crumbled Italian sausage until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly 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 red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until completely coated.
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Assemble and top: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
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Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges.
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Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
