Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that combines all the best pizza flavors into one easy-to-make meal! It’s packed with ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and tons of cheesy goodness, all topped with a golden, crispy pizza crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe brings together your favorite pizza toppings in casserole form for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
2️⃣ Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then return the meat to the skillet.
3️⃣ Add pepperoni and seasoning: Stir in the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is combined and the flour is absorbed.
4️⃣ Incorporate the sauce: Add the tomato basil pasta sauce to the skillet, stirring until evenly mixed. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
5️⃣ Assemble the casserole: Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
6️⃣ Top with pizza crust: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and carefully place it over the cheese layer. Brush the dough with olive oil.
7️⃣ Add toppings to the crust: Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza crust.
8️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
9️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve! Enjoy this indulgent, pizza-inspired meal with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the meat mixture and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the casserole and pop it in the oven!
- Add your favorites: Customize the casserole by adding mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or your favorite pizza toppings to the meat mixture.
- Crust variations: For an extra indulgent touch, you can use a seasoned garlic pizza crust or even a pre-made dough that’s stuffed with cheese!