Delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food that satisfies every craving, you’re in for a treat. This Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole combines all the rich, cheesy, and meaty goodness of your favorite pizza, without the dough. Perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish brings together classic pizza toppings in a creamy, baked form that feels indulgent yet simple.

In this article, I’ll share the story behind this family favorite, offer expert tips, provide make-ahead and freezer options, and include step-by-step instructions and full nutrition details. Let’s dig into a casserole that’ll win over any meat lover’s heart.

Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

I’ll never forget the first time I baked this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole—it was after a long week, and I just wanted something filling and nostalgic. Inspired by a local pizzeria outside of Nashville that was famous for its meat-loaded pies, I decided to recreate those bold flavors in a cozy casserole. That night, my kitchen smelled like Italian heaven. Even my picky teenage son went back for seconds.

Want more indulgent comfort meals like this? You’ll love our Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake and this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the entire Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, please bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then place it in the oven.

If you’re looking to make your casserole a little lighter without sacrificing flavor, consider using leaner cuts of meat. Here’s a breakdown of how red meat impacts your health from WebMD

This flexibility makes it perfect for hosting or prepping busy weeknight dinners. If you want it super fresh, consider making and storing each component separately—the sauce, cooked meats, and pasta. That way, assembly takes less than 10 minutes on bake day.

Loaded Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

This casserole is generously packed with bold, savory flavors. You can adjust the meat selection depending on what’s in your fridge, but this mix delivers the ultimate bite.

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked ham
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Tip: For an extra kick, add a handful of chopped banana peppers or olives. If you’re looking for a homemade sauce, this robust marinara recipe complements the casserole beautifully.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and ground beef until they are browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cooked bacon, ham, and half the pepperoni. Mix well and remove from heat.
5. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce until it is evenly coated.
6. Spread half the mixture into the baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
7. Layer the remaining pasta mix, followed by the remaining cheese and pepperoni slices.
8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

It’s a hearty hit every time! And if you love this type of dish, don’t miss our Baked Ziti Supreme and Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole.

Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the night before and refrigerate; bake the next day.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap pasta with gluten-free rotini.
• Keto Adaptation: Replace pasta with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
• Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

This dish is just as tasty the next day—maybe even better. For reheating, a quick 20 minutes at 350°F (covered) keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	580
Protein	31g
Carbohydrates	36g
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	1080mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g

Estimates are based on 6 servings. Values may vary depending on the ingredients used.

FAQs

1- Why do people like Meat Lovers Pizza?
Because it’s hearty, indulgent, and full of savory flavors, the combination of multiple meats, such as sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, delivers bold, satisfying bites that appeal to both carnivores and comfort food lovers alike.

2- What’s in a pizza casserole?
Typically, a pizza casserole consists of cooked pasta, marinara or pizza sauce, assorted meats (such as ground beef, sausage, or pepperoni), and an abundance of melted cheese. It’s a layered, baked dish that mimics the flavors of pizza in casserole form.

3- What does Meat Lovers Pizza have on it?
A traditional meat lovers pizza is topped with a mix of meats—usually pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and sometimes beef—layered over sauce and cheese on a pizza crust.

4- What kind of meat is used for pizza?
Popular meats used on pizza include pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, ham, ground beef, and sometimes chicken. Cured and seasoned meats are especially popular for their bold flavor and texture after baking.

You Might Also Like

If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these crave-worthy comfort meals next:

• Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Pie
• Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
• Loaded Chicken Enchilada Bake
• Classic Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
• Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Bake
• Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
• Homestyle Meatball Parmesan Bake
• One-Pan Baked Ziti with Sausage

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