Ultimate Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

A Cheesy, Oven-Baked Comfort Food Packed with Bold Pizza Flavor

If you love pizza but want something heartier, more filling, and easier to serve for a crowd, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the perfect solution. Combining all the flavors of a classic deep-dish pizza with the convenience of a baked casserole, this dish delivers layers of seasoned meat, rich tomato sauce, colorful vegetables, and bubbly melted cheese in every bite.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, game day food, and meal prep, offering the indulgent taste of pizza without the need for dough tossing or pizza stones. Served straight from the oven in individual foil pans or a large baking dish, it’s rustic, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.

Unlike traditional pizza, this casserole holds heat longer, reheats beautifully, and allows for endless customization—making it one of the most popular easy dinner recipes for busy households.

Why This Pizza Casserole Recipe Works So Well

No kneading or pizza dough required
Rich, layered flavors like a deep-dish pizza
High-protein, filling, and customizable
Perfect for freezer meals and batch cooking
Great alternative to takeout pizza
Family-friendly and kid-approved

From a home cooking perspective, casseroles like this one also perform extremely well for high-engagement food content, comfort food recipes, and budget-friendly meals, which makes them especially appealing for food bloggers and home chefs alike.

Ingredients for Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Meat Layer

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
½ lb Italian sausage (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce Layer

2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Vegetable Toppings

1 cup green bell peppers, diced
½ cup red or orange bell peppers
½ cup sliced black olives
½ cup diced onions
½ cup mushrooms (optional)

Base Layer (Choose One)

3 cups cooked penne or rotini pasta
OR 3 cups parboiled potatoes
OR 3 cups cooked gnocchi

Cheese Layer

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded provolone or Monterey Jack
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings

Pepperoni slices
Crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh basil or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish or individual foil baking pans.

2. Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix pizza sauce, tomato paste, and sugar (if using). This creates a thicker, richer sauce that holds up well in baking.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Start with a base layer of cooked pasta or potatoes. Spread evenly.

Add half of the meat mixture, followed by half the sauce. Sprinkle with bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms.

Add half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

5. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Flavor Profile and Texture

This pizza casserole delivers:

Savory, meaty richness from seasoned beef and sausage
Bright acidity from tomato sauce
Creamy stretchiness from melted mozzarella
Slight crunch and freshness from bell peppers
Deep umami flavor from olives and Parmesan

It’s hearty without being heavy and indulgent without being greasy—everything you want in a comfort food dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad
Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks
Add a side of roasted vegetables
Perfect with sparkling water or soda

This dish also works wonderfully as a make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer

Freeze fully baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months
Wrap tightly with foil and freezer-safe wrap

Reheating

Oven: 325°F for 20–25 minutes
Microwave: Use medium power to avoid rubbery cheese

Recipe Variations and Customization

Low-Carb Pizza Casserole

Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini slices.

Keto Pizza Bake

Use cauliflower base, full-fat cheese, and sugar-free sauce.

Vegetarian Pizza Casserole

Replace meat with mushrooms, spinach, and plant-based crumbles.

Spicy Version

Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot Italian sausage.

Kid-Friendly Version

Use mild sausage, extra cheese, and skip olives.

Final Thoughts

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything you love about pizza—bold flavor, melted cheese, and satisfying toppings—transformed into a comforting, oven-baked dish that feeds a crowd with ease. It’s approachable for beginner cooks yet flexible enough for experienced home chefs to customize endlessly.