Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve ever battled the age-old question of “What’s for dinner?” and found yourself in a pizza-loving household, then this **Cheesy Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole with Marinara Sauce** is about to become your new go-to. I whipped this up on a Friday night when I was craving pizza, but was also feeling a bit too lazy to roll out dough (can I get an amen?). This casserole has all the comforting tastes of pizza but with the added bonus of being super easy to prepare and serve. Plus, it means one less thing to clean up afterward—total win-win!
Every bite of this casserole is cheesy, meaty goodness. I remember the first time I made it—a friend was over for dinner and skeptically eyed the bubbling baking dish. “You’re just pouring pizza into a casserole dish?” she asked. But once she took a bite, her face lit up and she exclaimed, “This is everything I want in life!” Now we often collaborate to make it together, and it’s become a fun ritual. So gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious dish together!
What’s in Cheesy Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole with Marinara Sauce?
- Ground beef: I use lean ground beef for this dish. It gives wonderful flavor without being overly greasy, though you could use a higher fat content if you like it richer.
- Italian sausage: The star of the show! I highly recommend finding a good quality sausage for that punch of flavor. Sweet or spicy, it’s your call!
- Onion: A small diced onion adds sweetness and depth. I usually opt for a yellow onion, but a red one would work great too!
- Garlic: I mean, who can resist the fragrant aroma of minced garlic? You can never have too much garlic in my opinion!
- Marinara sauce: This is where all the saucy goodness comes from! A jarred sauce like Rao’s is a favorite of mine—it’s rich and full of flavor.
- Pepperoni slices: You guessed it! It wouldn’t be a meat lover’s dish without some pepperoni for that crispy finish.
- Cooked pasta: I prefer penne or rotini because they hold onto the sauce so well, but really, any pasta shape will do.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This is the cheese pull we all dream of! Make sure to use the good stuff for maximum meltiness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to elevate the flavor profile—think of it as a party in your casserole!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a bit of a kick, sprinkle these in! But no pressure if you’re not into it.
- Fresh basil leaves: These make for a lovely garnish that adds a pop of freshness, but aren’t absolutely necessary if you don’t have any on hand.
Is Cheesy Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspect. This casserole is definitely more on the comforting side of the spectrum—lots of cheesy goodness and hearty meats make it a filling dish! The ground beef and Italian sausage are great sources of protein, while the pasta gives you energy for whatever happens next (maybe a post-dinner dance party?). Of course, the marinara sauce and garlic add a touch of antioxidants to the mix. However, with all that cheese and meat, it can be a bit heavy, so moderation is key here! You could always balance it out with a light salad on the side.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or other preferred sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Cheesy Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole?
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want that cheese melty!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spatula, and once it’s browned, drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion turns translucent—about 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen is already starting to smell heavenly, isn’t it?
- Next, stir in the marinara sauce, pepperoni, cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything well to ensure it’s all nice and cozy.
- Transfer this delicious mixture into a large (approximately 9×13 inches) baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of your casserole like you’re creating a cheesy blanket.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Once it’s done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy!
Pizza-Fied Tips & Tricks!
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crispy garlic bread. It’s like having a mini pizza party on your plate!
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. The more, the merrier!
- If you want to make it ahead of time, throw everything together and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving!
- Leftovers (if you have any) reheat like a dream in the microwave or oven!
So there you have it—your new favorite comfort food that makes everyone at the table smile. I can’t wait for you to give it a shot. And trust me, once you see that golden cheese bubbling away, you’ll be so glad you did! Don’t forget to share your creations with me; I love to hear about your culinary adventures!
