If you’re craving something hearty and packed with flavor, this Ultimate Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is sure to hit the spot. Combining the best of pizza and casserole worlds, it’s loaded with gooey cheese and savory meats, making each bite a comforting delight. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to indulge in a cheesy, meaty feast!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper until it is no longer pink, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta, pepperoni slices, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (138 grams) pepperoni slices
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for the Meat Lovers Casserole?
- Absolutely! While rotini pasta is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce and cheese, you can use any pasta you have available or even make your own shaped pasta for a personal touch.
- What can I use instead of ground beef in the casserole?
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage if you prefer. This will add a different flavor profile to the dish, but it will remain delicious.
- Can I bake the casserole in an oven-safe skillet instead of a baking dish?
- Yes, you can use a large oven-safe skillet, such as a cast iron skillet, to bake the casserole. Simply follow the recipe instructions and place the skillet directly in the oven. Just be sure to monitor the baking time, as it may vary slightly.
- How do I store leftover Meat Lovers Casserole?
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
- Can I freeze the Meat Lovers Casserole for later use?
- Definitely! Prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and label it with the date and baking instructions. It can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or extend the baking time if cooking from frozen.
Tips
- Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Feel free to swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for other cheeses you enjoy, such as provolone or parmesan, to give the casserole a unique flavor profile.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet for Baking: Instead of transferring the mixture to a baking dish, you can use a large oven-safe skillet like cast iron to save on cleanup and maintain a rustic presentation. Be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
- Prepare and Freeze for Convenience: This casserole can be prepared and frozen before baking. Store it in a freezer-safe container, label it with the date and instructions, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Customize with Seasoning: Enhance the Italian flavors by adding your preferred seasonings or spices, such as crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or fresh basil for aromatic freshness.
Equipment
- Large Oven-Safe Skillet (e.g., Cast Iron Skillet) – If you choose to bake the casserole directly in the skillet rather than transferring it to a baking dish.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Essential for baking the casserole if not using an oven-safe skillet.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray – To prepare the baking dish or skillet.
- Freezer-Safe Container (e.g., Disposable Aluminum Foil Baking Dish) – If you plan to prepare and freeze the casserole before baking.
