Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole transforms everyone's favorite loaded pizza into a comforting, cheesy baked dish that satisfies even the biggest appetites. I created this recipe when my family was craving pizza but I wanted something more substantial for a winter dinner party.

I first made this casserole during a neighborhood potluck where I needed something that would feed a crowd and travel well. It disappeared faster than any other dish, and now it's requested at every gathering.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: Adds classic meaty flavor while keeping the dish from becoming too greasy
• Pork sausage: Brings extra dimension and savory notes that elevate the entire dish
• Chopped pepperoni: Provides those authentic pizza flavor bursts throughout the casserole
• All purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce ensuring your casserole isn't watery
• Italian seasoning: Creates that unmistakable pizza parlor aroma
• Tomato basil pasta sauce: Saves time while delivering rich flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that signature stretchy pizza cheese pull
• Refrigerated pizza crust dough: Gives you authentic pizza texture without making dough
• Olive oil: Helps the crust develop a beautiful golden color
• Parmesan cheese: Adds that final umami punch and crispy texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat your 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This temperature ensures your crust will get properly golden while the filling bubbles to perfection.

Brown The Meat Mixture:

In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef and sausage together until fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Be sure to drain the excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy final dish.

Add Flavor Builders:

Incorporate the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning into your meat mixture. The flour will help thicken everything as it cooks, while the pepperoni adds those classic pizza flavor bombs throughout the dish.

Create The Sauce:

Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring everything to a gentle boil. This activates the flour and helps the flavors meld together. Remove from heat once it starts bubbling.

Layer The Base:

Transfer your meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, creating that essential gooey layer that makes this dish irresistible.

Add The Pizza Crust:

Carefully unroll the pizza dough and place it over the cheese layer, stretching gently to cover the entire dish. This will become your golden crispy top that mimics pizza crust.

Finish With Toppings:

Brush the crust with olive oil to ensure beautiful browning. Sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and is completely cooked through. Watch carefully near the end to prevent burning.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before cutting. This resting period helps everything set properly for cleaner slices.

Pin it

My favorite aspect of this dish is how the top crust develops those beautiful air bubbles just like real pizza. The first time I served this to my brother in law who is a certified pizza snob, even he admitted it captured all the right flavors in a creative new format.

Storage Solutions

This casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For best results when reheating, use the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain the crust's texture. If using a microwave, the crust will soften but the flavors remain delicious. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for quick weeknight meals.

Pin it

Customizing Your Casserole

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. For those wanting less meat, substitute mushrooms for half the ground beef. Vegetable lovers can add diced bell peppers, olives, or spinach to the sauce mixture. If someone doesn't eat pork, use all beef or turkey Italian sausage instead. The recipe maintains its comforting essence regardless of these modifications.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread might seem excessive given the pizza crust topping, but somehow it works perfectly for sopping up extra sauce. For casual gatherings, set out small bowls of extra pizza toppings like banana peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh basil so everyone can customize their serving.

The Pizza Casserole History

Pizza casseroles emerged in American home cooking during the 1950s and 60s when casseroles reigned supreme and Italian American food was becoming mainstream. They represent the perfect fusion of Old World flavors with New World convenience. This version stays true to those roots while incorporating modern ingredients like refrigerated dough for busy families. The dish honors the spirit of traditional pizza making while adapting it for practical home cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the meats with alternatives like ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based options for variety.

→ Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor and texture.

→ How can I make the crust crispier?

To achieve a crispier crust, prebake the pizza dough slightly on a sheet pan before placing it on the casserole.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh before serving.

→ What sides go well with this casserole?

Pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the hearty flavors.