Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)
Indulge in this cheesy pasta bake loaded with beef, sausage, pepperoni and bacon - a crowd-pleasing comfort food masterpiece.
# Ingredients:
→ Base
01 -
340g penne or rotini pasta
→ Meats
02 -
450g ground beef
03 -
225g crumbled Italian sausage
04 -
120g pepperoni slices
05 -
120g cooked and crumbled bacon
→ Sauce & Seasonings
06 -
470ml marinara sauce or pizza sauce
07 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Cheese
10 -
200g shredded mozzarella cheese
11 -
60g shredded cheddar cheese
12 -
30g grated Parmesan cheese
# Steps:
01 -
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
03 -
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
04 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat mixture, pepperoni, bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly.
05 -
Transfer mixture into a greased 23×33cm (9×13-inch) baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
06 -
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
Allow casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness during baking
02 -
Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties
03 -
For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking time
04 -
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
05 -
For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cheeses