Description

Get ready to fall in love with this ultimate comfort food twist: Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole! Packed with all your favorite pizza toppings — ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melty mozzarella — this dish is like a deep-dish pizza met a pasta bake and created pure dinnertime magic. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, family-friendly meals, or make-ahead casseroles, it’s hearty, cheesy, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re hunting for a satisfying easy recipe or crave bold food ideas, this easy dinner casserole has you covered. Hot, bubbly, and packed with flavor — it’s everything you love about pizza in one baked dish!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Base

12 oz elbow macaroni (or penne/rotini)
Salted water for boiling

Meats

1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage
1 cup pepperoni slices (reserve some for topping)

Sauce & Seasoning

1 (24 oz) jar pizza or marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses

2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Optional Add-ins

1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown meats (beef + sausage) in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
Stir in sauce and seasonings. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix pasta and sauce together in a bowl.
Layer half the pasta-meat mix in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella and cheddar.
Repeat layers with remaining pasta and cheeses.
Top with pepperoni slices and Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Broil 2–3 minutes for a crisp top.
Rest 5–10 minutes, garnish with herbs, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes