Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty, cheesy bake packed with pepperoni, sausage, chicken, pasta, and melty mozzarella—all the best parts of a loaded pizza in comforting casserole form. Perfect for pizza night, game day, or feeding a hungry crowd!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/3 cup cooked chicken, chopped
- 1/2 lb ground beef (optional, for extra meatiness)
- 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings:
- Black olives
- Mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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Cook pasta just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add sausage (and ground beef if using), cook until browned. Stir in chicken, remove from heat.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, pizza sauce, meat mixture, Italian seasoning, and half the mozzarella.
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Spread mixture into casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for supreme-style.
- Use hot sausage or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Lighten up with turkey sausage and low-fat cheese.
- For a low-carb version, swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- A layer of ricotta adds a lasagna-like twist.
