Meat Pizza Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Recipe

Meat Pizza Casserole: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic meat lover’s pizza, but transformed into a warm, bubbly, and incredibly satisfying casserole. Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Do you crave something that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters? Then look no further, because this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

While the exact origins of pizza casserole are a bit hazy, its popularity likely stems from the desire to recreate the beloved pizza experience in a more convenient and budget-friendly way. Think of it as a deconstructed pizza, where all the familiar flavors are layered together in a baking dish instead of on a crust. It’s a brilliant way to use up leftover ingredients and create a hearty meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

People adore this Meat Pizza Casserole for several reasons. First, the taste is undeniably delicious – a symphony of Italian flavors with seasoned ground meat, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings. Second, the texture is wonderfully comforting, with a soft, cheesy top and a hearty, flavorful base. And finally, it’s incredibly convenient to make. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour. So, let’s get cooking and create a Meat Pizza Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)

Preparing the Meat Sauce

1. Brown the Meats: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break the meats apart with a spoon as they cook. Drain off any excess grease. I find using a slotted spoon helps to remove the grease effectively.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually give it a good stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Macaroni

1. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy casserole.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it well and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the macaroni from sticking together.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Sauce and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the meat sauce. Stir well to ensure that the macaroni is evenly coated with the sauce.
3. Add Cheese: Add 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup of the provolone cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese to the macaroni and sauce mixture. Stir to combine. This will create a cheesy and delicious base for the casserole.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom.
5. Layer the Casserole: Pour the macaroni and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of provolone cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Now is the time to add your favorite pizza toppings! I like to add pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, and black olives. Get creative and customize it to your liking!

Baking the Casserole

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
2. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to slice.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole is great on its own or with a side salad.

Tips and Variations

• Spice it up: For a spicier casserole, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
• Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

This Meat Pizza Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together, look no further. We’ve combined all the best parts of a classic meat lover’s pizza – the savory meats, the tangy sauce, the gooey cheese – and transformed it into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy night in.

What makes this casserole a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s the versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking. Feeling adventurous? Add some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for extra veggies. Want to kick up the heat? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. And if you’re trying to keep things a little lighter, you can opt for leaner ground beef or turkey sausage.

Speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based ground meat and loading it up with your favorite vegetables. You could even swap out the traditional pizza sauce for a pesto base for a completely different flavor profile. And if you’re gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Serving suggestions? This Meat Pizza Casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. For a truly indulgent meal, try serving it with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. And if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they reheat beautifully, making it a great option for lunch the next day.

Ready to give it a try?

I truly believe you’re going to love this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so simple to make that even beginner cooks can master it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover ingredients you might have in your fridge.

Don’t be afraid to experiment!

That’s the beauty of cooking, right? Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your own taste preferences. And most importantly, have fun with it!

I’m so excited for you to try this Meat Pizza Casserole recipe. Once you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below! Let’s create a community of casserole lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. This recipe is a winner, and I know you’ll agree once you taste it. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. You won’t regret it!