Name: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni; 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: Prepare to ditch the delivery menu and embrace a weeknight dinner revolution! Imagine all the savory, meaty goodness of your favorite pizza, transformed into a comforting, easy-to-assemble casserole. This isn't just dinner; it's an experience. A symphony of flavors and textures that will have your family begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

While pizza itself boasts a rich history, tracing back to ancient flatbreads, the casserole adaptation is a more modern marvel. Born from a desire for convenience and hearty family meals, the pizza casserole takes the beloved flavors of pizza and streamlines them into a single, satisfying dish. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave that pizza fix but don't have the time for dough-making or oven-watching.

What makes a Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole so irresistible? It's the combination of everything we adore about pizza: the rich tomato sauce, the gooey melted cheese, and of course, the abundance of savory meats. Think pepperoni, sausage, bacon – a carnivore's dream come true! The casserole format also adds a delightful textural element, with layers of pasta or bread providing a comforting base for all that deliciousness. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, making it a dish that truly caters to your personal preferences. Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, incredibly satisfying way!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

Brown the Meats: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Incorporate the Pepperoni and Bacon: Stir in the chopped pepperoni and crumbled bacon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The pepperoni will release some of its oils, adding richness to the sauce.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Reduce and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste! Make sure to check on it periodically to prevent sticking or burning.

Cooking the Noodles:

Boil the Water: While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps to season the noodles as they cook.
Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, but slightly undercook them by about 1-2 minutes. You want them to be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the casserole.
Drain the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked al dente, drain them well in a colander. Be sure to shake off any excess water.

Assembling the Casserole:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
Combine Noodles and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained egg noodles with the meat sauce. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Make sure every noodle gets a good coating of that delicious meat sauce!
Add Cheese: Add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese to the noodle and sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the sauce, creating a creamy and cheesy base for the casserole.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the noodle mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. I like to use a glass baking dish, but a metal one will work just as well. Just make sure it's greased to prevent sticking.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This layer of cheese will create a golden brown and bubbly crust in the oven.

Baking the Casserole:

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the cheese from burning and ensure that the casserole cooks evenly.
Baking Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove Foil: Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich and savory casserole.
Sides: Serve the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips and Variations:

Meat Variations: Feel free to use other types of meat in this casserole, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced ham.
Vegetable Additions: Add some chopped vegetables to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great options.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder casserole, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it is heated through.
Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Noodle Alternatives: While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti. Just be sure to cook them al dente.
Crusty Topping: For a more textured topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
Pizza Toppings: Think of your favorite pizza toppings and incorporate them into the casserole! Black olives, green peppers, or even pineapple (if you're a fan!) would be delicious additions.

Enjoy your delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole!

Conclusion:

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is more than just a meal; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! If you're searching for a dish that's quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, look no further. We've taken all the best parts of a classic meat lovers pizza – the savory meats, the rich tomato sauce, the gooey cheese – and transformed it into an easy-to-assemble casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a fun weekend brunch. Why is this a must-try? Because it's incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to suit your family's preferences. Not a fan of pepperoni? Swap it out for Italian sausage or ground beef. Want to add some veggies? Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms would be fantastic additions. The possibilities are truly endless. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up any leftover cooked meats you might have in the fridge, reducing food waste and saving you money. But the real magic lies in the simplicity. Forget about kneading dough and carefully arranging toppings. This casserole comes together in minutes, making it a lifesaver on those busy evenings when you just don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen. Simply layer the ingredients, bake until bubbly and golden brown, and you've got a hearty and delicious meal that everyone will love. Serving Suggestions and Variations: For a complete meal, serve this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with a side salad and some garlic bread. The crispness of the salad and the garlicky goodness of the bread perfectly complement the richness of the casserole. Alternatively, you could offer a selection of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo, to add an extra layer of flavor. Looking for variations? Consider these ideas: * Spicy Meat Lovers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. * Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a medley of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and spinach. * Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta as the base for a lower-carb alternative. * Deluxe Meat Lovers: Add bacon crumbles, ham, and even some cooked chicken for an ultimate meat lover's experience. * Individual Casseroles: Prepare the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. I'm confident that this recipe will become a new family favorite. It's a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the most delicious and satisfying Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole you've ever tasted! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear about any variations you tried and how your family enjoyed it. Don't forget to rate the recipe too! Happy cooking!