Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb beef sausage
1 cup chopped pepperoni
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 425º F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon or spatula, until they are no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure the casserole isn’t too greasy.
Add Flavors and Sauce: To the skillet with the drained meats, add the chopped pepperoni, all-purpose flour, and 3 teaspoons of the Italian seasoning. Stir well to blend the ingredients. Mix in the tomato basil pasta sauce and bring the entire mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the meat and sauce mixture into the prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle 1½ cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
Prepare the Pizza Crust: Unroll the pizza crust dough and lay it over the top of the cheese layer in the pan. Brush the top of the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and the grated parmesan cheese.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing. This will help the layers set up, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes: Since this casserole is rich and meaty, consider pairing it with a light side salad, some steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
Dipping Sauces: Offer marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter on the side for dipping or drizzling.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, pick up from assembling the casserole with the dough and bake as directed.
Can I use homemade pizza dough? Absolutely! If you have the time and prefer homemade, pizza dough can be used instead of refrigerated dough for a more authentic pizza taste.
What substitutions can I make? For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken sausage. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat layer for added flavor and texture.
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole offers all the flavors of your favorite meat-heavy pizza in a hearty, satisfying casserole form. It’s guaranteed to be a hit, bringing the comfort of both pizza and casserole to your dining table. Enjoy the feast!