The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole That Will Blow Your Mind!
Hey there, fellow foodie! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that is guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites – the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. This dish is a delicious twist on the classic pizza, with all the mouthwatering flavors of your favorite meat toppings baked to perfection in a cheesy, saucy casserole. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at pizza the same way again!
Why You’ll Love This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
I make this dish when I’m craving something hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for those nights when you want the flavors of pizza but don’t feel like going through the hassle of making a traditional pie. My family goes crazy for this casserole because it combines all their favorite meat toppings in one dish. Plus, the leftovers are absolutely amazing – if there are any left, that is!
Ingredients:
For this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni pasta and the meat sauce. Mix well to ensure all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
6. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses on top.
7. Layer half of the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheeses, and pepperoni.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into generous portions and enjoy!
Variations:
I love experimenting with different variations of this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. One variation I’ve tried is substituting the ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey for a lighter option. It still tastes absolutely delicious! Another variation I’ve attempted is adding sliced mushrooms and black olives to the vegetable mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own!
Storage Information:
Though honestly, in my house, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole never lasts more than a day! But if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions:
I personally love serving this casserole with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. The garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce, and the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the meat and cheese. Of course, feel free to serve it with your favorite pizza accompaniments – the possibilities are endless!
Pro Tips:
From my own mistakes, I’ve learned a couple of valuable lessons when making this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. Firstly, make sure to cook the pasta al dente before mixing it with the sauce. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy during baking. Secondly, don’t be afraid to add extra cheese on top – it creates a deliciously gooey and golden crust that everyone will love!
FAQ:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
A: Absolutely! While rigatoni works great for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would all work well.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the casserole as instructed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
So there you have it – a mouthwatering Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole recipe that will leave you and your loved ones begging for more. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Trust me, this casserole is a game-changer when it comes to satisfying your pizza cravings. Happy cooking!