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Loaded Meat Lover's Pizza Casserole

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

This loaded meat lover’s pizza casserole brings together the flavors of your favorite pizza in a comforting oven-baked dish. Ground beef, crumbled sausage, and pepperoni are cooked together in a savory tomato basil sauce and layered with mozzarella cheese. A pizza crust topping gives this casserole a satisfying, golden finish. It's easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and packed with the bold, hearty flavors pizza lovers crave. Bake it for your next family dinner or game day, and enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:58:30 GMT
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The Loaded Meat Lover's Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish for pizza lovers who crave all the toppings. This hearty casserole brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, all layered in a rich tomato basil sauce and topped with plenty of melted cheese. What sets this dish apart is the topping of pizza crust dough, creating a satisfying golden layer that mimics your favorite pizza slice.

INGREDIENTS
  • Lean ground beef: 1 pound
  • Pork sausage: 1 pound, crumbled
  • Pepperoni: 1 cup, chopped
  • All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
  • Italian seasoning: 4 tsp, divided
  • Tomato basil pasta sauce: 1 (26-ounce) jar
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups
  • Refrigerated pizza crust dough: 1 (13.8-ounce) can
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: 3 tbsp
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Serving and Storage Tips
  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Helpful Notes
  • Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Why Pizza Casseroles Are the Perfect Comfort Food

Pizza casseroles combine all the best elements of traditional pizza with the convenience and heartiness of a baked dish. By layering meats, cheese, and sauce, you create a flavorful, satisfying meal with a crispy crust topping that gives each bite a familiar pizza taste.

Best Occasions to Serve a Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

This pizza casserole is ideal for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners. Its rich combination of meats and cheeses makes it a crowd favorite.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it can be frozen after baking. Let it cool, wrap it tightly, and store it for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion

The Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is a hearty dish designed for meat lovers and pizza enthusiasts alike. This recipe blends ground beef, crumbled sausage, and chopped pepperoni with a rich tomato basil sauce, all layered with mozzarella cheese and topped with a pizza crust. It's an easy yet indulgent dinner option, ideal for family meals or game day gatherings. The combination of flavors—savory meats, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese—creates a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Bake it in under an hour for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal!

Loaded Meat Lover’s

A hearty, comforting pizza casserole featuring ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and lots of cheese. Ideal for family dinners or game day.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (One 9x13-inch casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound lean ground beef.
02 1 pound pork sausage, crumbled.
03 1 cup chopped pepperoni.
04 ¼ cup all-purpose flour.
05 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided.
06 1 (26-ounce) jar tomato basil pasta sauce.
07 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough.
09 1 tbsp olive oil.
10 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and crumbled sausage until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 03

Stir in the chopped pepperoni, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, and flour. Mix until everything is well combined and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Pour the tomato basil pasta sauce into the meat mixture. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes before removing from heat.

Step 05

Pour half of the meat and sauce mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat.

Step 06

Unroll the pizza crust dough and cut into strips or pieces. Layer the dough over the cheese and meat mixture.

Step 07

Pour the remaining meat and sauce mixture over the dough. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining 2 tsp of Italian seasoning.

Step 08

Drizzle olive oil over the top and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 09

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or game day.
  2. A delicious combination of ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and plenty of cheese.
  3. Ideal for pizza lovers looking for a comforting, oven-baked dish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 475
  • Total Fat: 32.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37.5 g
  • Protein: 27.5 g