If you are craving the perfect crowd-pleasing dinner that combines all your favorite meaty pizza toppings into one hearty, comforting dish, you have to try this Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe. This casserole brings together juicy ground beef, savory pork sausage, and spicy pepperoni smothered in rich tomato basil sauce, all baked under a golden, cheesy pizza crust. It’s everything you love about pizza, but in a warm, sliceable form that’s perfect for family dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. Trust me, once you make this Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll adore. Each component plays a role in building that unmistakable Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe taste—meaty richness, tangy tomato, melty cheese, and a crisp crust that seals it all in.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The foundation of hearty meatiness, cooked until just right for maximum juiciness.
- 1 lb pork sausage: Adds savory depth and a hint of spice to complement the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni: Brings that classic pepperoni zing and a bit of chew to the mix.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, making it cling deliciously to every bite.
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the casserole with authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce: The tangy, herby sauce that ties all the meats together in a loving, saucy hug.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough: Forms the crispy, golden crust that tops the casserole perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Keeps the crust golden and adds a touch of richness.
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp finish sprinkled on top that seals in the flavor.
How to Make Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat
First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick and is easy to serve.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef and pork sausage over medium heat until they are no longer pink. This step builds the meaty backbone of your casserole. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine the Peppers, Flour and Seasoning
Add the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the skillet with your browned meats. Stir everything together until the flour is well blended, which will help thicken the sauce in the next step and keep it luscious.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Simmer
Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir well to combine all the flavors. After boiling, remove the skillet from the heat to let it cool slightly while you prepare the other layers.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spoon the meat and sauce mixture into your prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce layer—it’s that melty middle that everyone will rave about.
Step 6: Add the Pizza Crust Topping
Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and carefully place it over the mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface. Brush the top of the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, extra mozzarella cheese, and the grated parmesan. This final layer gives your casserole that signature golden, cheesy top.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and crispy. The smell will be irresistible, and the crust will hold all those delicious flavors inside perfectly.
How to Serve Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add fresh brightness, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over each serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes gives it just the right finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. This adds color contrast, some refreshing crunch, and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the casserole into individual squares for a fun party presentation, or plate it with a small cup of marinara on the side for dipping extra crust bites. For a casual family dinner, serve straight from the baking dish with extra grated parmesan on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or move leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy the flavors melding even more overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping it securely in foil and plastic wrap. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply increase your baking time by about 15 minutes and cover with foil halfway through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the crust crispiness revives. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spicy Italian sausage or turkey sausage depending on your preference. Each will add a unique twist to the Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute the pizza dough with homemade dough?
Definitely! Homemade pizza dough works beautifully and allows you to control ingredients, resulting in an even tastier crust for this casserole.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms is a great way to sneak in some veggies while boosting flavor and texture. Just sauté them with the meat before mixing in the sauce.
How spicy is this Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe?
The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the Italian seasoning and pepperoni, but you can always adjust by adding crushed red pepper flakes or swapping for spicier sausage.
What’s the best cheese to use besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella is key for melt and stretch, but mixing in provolone or cheddar can add extra flavor layers. Parmesan sprinkled on top provides that classic sharp finish every time.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe brings all the joy of your favorite pizza night into one irresistible, easy-to-make dish. Its hearty layers, bold flavors, and comforting textures make it a true hit for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it turns into a new go-to favorite for your family and friends!
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Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish for meat enthusiasts, combining ground beef, pork sausage, pepperoni, and a rich tomato basil sauce layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with pizza crust and baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty, flavorful twist on classic pizza delivered in an easy-to-make casserole format, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 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
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Crust and Topping
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Combine Meat with Seasonings and Sauce: Add the chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend ingredients and help thicken the sauce. Then pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the meat and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Add Pizza Crust and Toppings: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and carefully place it over the mozzarella cheese layer, covering completely. Brush the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, additional mozzarella cheese if desired, and 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pizza crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, you can pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use lean meats to reduce fat content and make the dish lighter.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- You can substitute refrigerated pizza crust dough with homemade dough if preferred.
- If you want a spicier casserole, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
