Classic Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Introduction

Classic Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a classic meat pizza in a hearty, easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your pizza cravings in a new way.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb pork sausage
  • 1 cup chopped pepperoni
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1 jar (26 oz) tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust dough
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Meat

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook the ground beef and sausage until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Add Pepperoni and Seasoning

  1. Stir in the chopped pepperoni and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
  2. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for an additional minute to absorb flavors.

4. Simmer the Sauce

  1. Pour the tomato basil pasta sauce into the skillet.
  2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.

5. Prepare the Crust

  1. Roll out the pizza dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  2. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.

6. Layer and Bake

  1. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the crust.
  2. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

7. Cool and Serve

  1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  1. Customize Your Meat: Add bacon or ham for extra meatiness.
  2. Vegetable Boost: Include chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.
  3. Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or cheddar for extra cheesy goodness.

Serving Ideas

  • Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Serve with a marinara dipping sauce for extra flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of dough?
A: Yes, crescent roll dough or homemade pizza dough works well as substitutes.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.

Nutritional Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Calories: 450 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 6

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