When the craving for something hearty, cheesy, and indulgent strikes, few dishes satisfy like a Meat Lovers Pizza. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of your favorite pizza—without the hassle of making dough or worrying about takeout? That’s where the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole comes in. This rich, layered casserole combines all the iconic meats found on a pizza—pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ground beef—into a warm, bubbling, oven-baked dish. It's comfort food at its finest, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole—from the ingredients and preparation to tips for customizing and storing leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Why Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?
Pizza is universally loved, but sometimes we need an option that’s easier to prepare ahead, travels well, or feeds a group without relying on delivery. A casserole takes all the best parts of a pizza—the sauce, cheese, and toppings—and transforms them into a one-dish meal. Add pasta or a low-carb base, and you’ve got a full meal in every bite.
The Meat Lovers version appeals especially to carnivores and those who crave bold, savory flavors. Every bite is loaded with sizzling meats and melty cheese, balanced with tangy tomato sauce and fragrant Italian herbs. It's indulgent, satisfying, and customizable.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore the key components of this dish. Understanding what each element contributes can help you tweak the recipe to your liking.
- Pasta (or Low-Carb Base)
Traditional casseroles use pasta like penne or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well and create a sturdy base.
Options:
Penne, rotini, or ziti: Holds shape and sauce.
Gluten-free pasta: If needed for dietary reasons.
Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice: For a keto or low-carb version.
- Meat Selection
A proper Meat Lovers dish wouldn’t be complete without a medley of flavorful meats.
Ground beef: Adds richness and bulk.
Italian sausage: Provides spice and complexity.
Pepperoni: Gives that classic pizza flavor.
Bacon: Adds smokiness and crunch.
Ham (optional): For a touch of sweetness and variety.
You can use all of these or pick your favorites. Pre-cook all the meats before assembling.
- Sauce
A marinara or pizza sauce is essential for bringing everything together.
Store-bought marinara or pizza sauce: Convenient and flavorful.
Homemade tomato sauce: Can be customized to taste with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Low-sugar sauce: For a low-carb version.
- Cheese
The cheesy top layer is what ties everything together.
Mozzarella: For classic melt and stretch.
Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty edge.
Cheddar or provolone (optional): Adds richness and depth.
You’ll layer the cheese within the casserole and again on top before baking.
- Seasonings and Extras
Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion enhance flavor. You can also add crushed red pepper, black olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers if desired.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Here’s the complete step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish from scratch.
Ingredients
12 oz (about 3 cups) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup diced ham (optional)
24 oz marinara or pizza sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. - Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Meats
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
Add the ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. - Mix with Pasta and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, half of the pepperoni, bacon, ham (if using), and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix well. - Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top, then add extra pepperoni slices. - Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges. - Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips for Success
Drain meats well to avoid a greasy casserole.
Don’t overcook pasta before baking—it will soften more in the oven.
Use whole milk mozzarella for extra melt and flavor.
Add veggies like mushrooms, green peppers, or spinach for a more balanced dish.
Let it rest before serving to firm up the layers.
Variations
The beauty of casseroles is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ways to customize your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:
Low-Carb/Keto Version
Replace pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.
Use a low-sugar pizza sauce.
Add extra cheese or ricotta for richness.
Spicy Version
Use hot Italian sausage and spicy pepperoni.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the sauce.
Extra Veggie Version
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions.
Stir in spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Breakfast Style
Add scrambled eggs to the mix and serve with toast or hash browns.
Use breakfast sausage and maple-glazed bacon.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling enough to stand on its own but also pairs well with:
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Caesar salad or side salad
Roasted vegetables
A simple green smoothie for a balanced meal
Storing and Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings in 60-second intervals until hot.
Final Thoughts
The Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a crave-worthy, family-friendly dish that brings together all the best elements of pizza and pasta into one easy-to-make casserole. Whether you're planning a Sunday dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just looking to indulge, this dish delivers bold flavor and ultimate comfort in every bite.
Its flexibility means you can make it your own—add more heat, sneak in veggies, go low-carb, or double up the cheese. No matter how you serve it, this casserole is bound to become a regular on your table.