Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole transforms everyone's favorite pizza toppings into a satisfying pasta bake that's perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, and gooey cheese delivers all the flavors of a loaded pizza in comforting casserole form.

I created this recipe when my pizza-obsessed nephew came to visit but I needed something more substantial to feed a crowd. It was such a hit that it's now requested at nearly every family gathering and has saved me on countless busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: Adds rich flavor and hearty texture choose high quality with visible herbs and spices for best results
• Rigatoni pasta: Holds up perfectly to the hearty sauce and toppings the ridges capture sauce beautifully
• Jarred pasta sauce: Saves time without sacrificing flavor opt for a traditional style for authentic taste
• Minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth fresh is preferred but jarred works in a pinch
• Shredded mozzarella: Creates that classic stretchy pizza cheese experience use whole milk variety for best melt
• Pepperoni: Delivers the classic pizza flavor and crispy texture look for ones with visible spices for best flavor
• Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage beautifully use extra virgin for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before starting any other steps to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time your casserole is assembled. A fully preheated oven ensures even cooking and proper cheese melting.

Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the Italian sausage breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains and edges are nicely browned which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning creates essential flavor for the entire dish.

Add Aromatic Garlic:

Once sausage is fully browned reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic to the pan. Stir continuously for just one minute until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter so keep a close eye on it during this step.

Cook Pasta Partially:

While the sausage browns bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add rigatoni and cook for exactly 8 minutes which is about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven absorbing flavors from the sauce and staying perfectly al dente.

Prepare Pepperoni:

Select 18 whole pepperoni slices and set aside for the top of your casserole. These will become crispy pizza like toppings. Take the remaining pepperoni and slice into quarters or rough chunks to distribute throughout the casserole for flavor in every bite.

Combine Everything:

In the empty pasta pot combine the drained rigatoni browned sausage mixture both jars of pasta sauce the chopped pepperoni and a generous handful of mozzarella. Stir gently but thoroughly until all pasta is evenly coated with sauce and ingredients are well distributed.

Assemble and Bake:

Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 baking dish spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top then arrange the reserved pepperoni slices decoratively. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is completely melted with some golden spots and pepperoni edges are crispy.

The secret to this dish is definitely the contrast between the crispy pepperoni on top and the melty goodness underneath. My family fights over those perfectly crisp pepperoni slices that develop during baking. I remember the first time I made this, my brother actually counted to make sure everyone got the same number of pepperoni rounds!

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for busy households. You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes since you're starting with a cold casserole. The flavors actually develop beautifully as it sits overnight, making this a great option for entertaining.

Customization Ideas

While the classic meat lovers version is a crowd pleaser, this versatile casserole welcomes variations. Try adding mushrooms, green peppers, or black olives for a supreme pizza version. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and load up on colorful vegetables. For spice lovers, add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage. My husband prefers his with sautéed onions and bell peppers, while my children stick to the original recipe with extra cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up any extra sauce. For a restaurant style experience, offer grated parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil for guests to add as desired. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a medium bodied red wine like Chianti for adults and sparkling water with lemon for the kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni with other sturdy pasta like penne, ziti, or even shells. Avoid delicate shapes like spaghetti as they do not hold the sauce and ingredients as well.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, bake it as instructed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

→ Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?

Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure it is cooked thoroughly before mixing with the pasta and sauce.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetarian pepperoni or additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for hearty flavor.

→ What type of pasta sauce works best?

A traditional marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce works best for this dish. You can choose plain, herbed, or even a spicier option depending on your flavor preferences.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.