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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

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This casserole layers seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni with pasta and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

 

  • For the Meat Sauce:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
    • 1 cup chopped pepperoni
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
    • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the Casserole:
    • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Optional: Additional pepperoni slices for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare Meat Sauce:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
    • Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
    • Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
    • Add the chopped pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Assemble Casserole:
    • In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Stir until evenly mixed.
    • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture.
    • If desired, arrange additional pepperoni slices on top.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • For a golden-brown top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Serve:
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

 

  • Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, to the meat sauce for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/meat-lovers-pizza-casserole/