Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole! There’s just something about the combination of savory ground beef, zesty Italian sausage, and all that melty mozzarella that makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering—it was a total hit! Everyone was raving about the delicious flavors and how easy it was to whip up. Trust me, this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. You’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef (browned and crumbled)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed, cooked)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups pepperoni slices (or more if you love them!)
- 3 cups pizza sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (the more, the merrier!)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that extra kick)
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked (any shape you love works great)
How to Prepare Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want that cheesy goodness bubbling and golden by the time we’re done. While that’s warming up, grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat. Cook them until they’re nicely browned, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking!
Once that delicious meat mixture is ready, stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. This is where the magic happens! Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is well combined and aromatic. Now, in a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your meat mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Give it a good stir to make sure every noodle is coated in that flavorful goodness.
Next, transfer this yummy mixture into a greased baking dish—don’t skip the greasing! It’ll make cleanup so much easier. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese and, of course, the pepperoni slices. Now it’s time to bake! Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in, and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness of your casserole masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these values are just typical estimates. Each serving, about 1 cup, generally contains around 450 calories, 30g of fat (with 12g saturated fat), and 25g of protein. You’ll also find roughly 30g of carbohydrates and 6g of sugar. It’s definitely a hearty meal that’ll keep you feeling satisfied. Just remember, the best part is enjoying every cheesy, meaty bite without worrying too much about the numbers!
Tips for Success
To make your cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole truly shine, here are my top tips! First, don’t hesitate to customize the meats—try adding diced ham or crispy bacon for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Also, remember to cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. For a little kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. And trust me, letting it sit for a few minutes after baking makes serving so much easier!
Variations of Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole! For starters, try swapping out the ground beef for some spicy chorizo or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile. You can also throw in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to sneak in those veggies—nothing wrong with a little added nutrition! Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different sauces like BBQ sauce or pesto for a unique twist. And don’t forget to play around with cheese! A blend of cheddar and mozzarella can add a delightful sharpness. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole fresh out of the oven, let’s talk about what to serve alongside this delicious dish! A simple side salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. You could also whip up some garlic bread—who doesn’t love that buttery, garlicky goodness? If you’re in the mood for something hearty, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables for a splash of color and nutrition. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal and make it a total crowd-pleaser!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of your cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole! First, make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for those busy weeknight dinners! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheat. Just be careful, as the cheese can get super hot! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different kinds of meat?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your meats. Ground turkey or chicken work great if you’re looking for a leaner option, and adding chorizo or bacon can bring in some exciting flavors!
What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
No worries! You can substitute pizza sauce with marinara sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce. Just make sure to add some Italian seasoning for that classic pizza flavor!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze your cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole! Just make sure it’s cooled completely and store it in an airtight container. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as it’ll be super hot!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. It’s a delicious way to sneak in some extra nutrition!
Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole packed with flavors.
Składniki
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups pepperoni slices
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, and half the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Casserole
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 6g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 12g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: cheesy meat lovers pizza casserole
