Description
Hearty meat lovers pizza casserole brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with its layered blend of savory ingredients. Melted cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and crisp crust combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
Cheese and Pasta
- 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce/680 grams) jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Additional pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
- Prep the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking down the meat while cooking until it develops a rich brown color.
- Incorporate diced onions into the meat mixture, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic qualities.
- Fold in chopped pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer, developing deep, complex flavors for several minutes.
- Transfer the cooked pasta into the prepared baking dish, then thoroughly combine with the robust meat sauce to ensure even distribution.
- Create a generous cheese layer by sprinkling mozzarella across the pasta mixture. Strategically place additional pepperoni slices for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Blanket the top with remaining mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan cheese, creating a golden, promising surface.
- Encase the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and marry.
- Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, slightly crisp layer. For an extra golden finish, briefly broil the casserole, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, letting the ingredients settle and flavors intensify.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a final touch of brightness and serve hot, revealing the delicious layers within.
Notes
- Customize the meat blend by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Spice up the casserole with red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a more intense flavor profile.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make weeknight cooking faster and easier, chopping onions and measuring spices in advance.
- Transform this dish into a vegetarian option by replacing meat with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg