Name: Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed; 1/2 pound ground beef; 3 cups marinara or pizza sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 30–40 slices of pepperoni; Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish

When I’m craving something indulgent, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, this Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole hits every single note. It’s the ultimate comfort food that blends the best of two worlds—pizza and pasta—in one bubbling, oven-baked masterpiece. With layers of pasta, savory marinara, gooey melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and crumbled sausage, it brings the pizzeria right to your kitchen with zero delivery fees.

This dish is a lifesaver when I need to feed a crowd or just want leftovers I’ll actually look forward to. It’s easy to prepare ahead, it reheats like a dream, and the whole house smells like a pizza parlor when it’s baking. Whether you serve it for a casual weeknight dinner or a game-day gathering, it never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

It’s comfort food at its finest. Cheesy, saucy, and meaty—all in one bite.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Everyone from toddlers to grandparents will be asking for seconds.
Highly customizable. You can tweak the meats, cheese, and pasta to fit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep. Make a double batch and freeze one for later.
Ready in under an hour. Minimal prep, maximum flavor payoff.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?

For this casserole, I find that short, sturdy pasta shapes hold up best under the weight of the meats and cheeses. Think penne, rotini, ziti, or elbow macaroni. These shapes capture the sauce in their grooves or tubes, giving you flavor in every forkful. Avoid delicate or long pasta like angel hair or spaghetti—they tend to clump and don’t carry the toppings well.

If you’re aiming for a more rustic, chewy bite, rigatoni is another excellent choice. The ridges grip the marinara and melted cheese, while the tube-like center soaks up all the delicious meat juices.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few substitution ideas if you’re missing an ingredient or want to mix it up:

Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Chickpea or lentil pasta adds extra protein.
Meats: Not a pepperoni fan? Sub in cooked bacon, diced ham, or ground chicken.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or an Italian blend work beautifully.
Sauce: Swap marinara for vodka sauce or pizza sauce for a richer flavor.
Vegetables: Want a veggie boost? Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition without sacrificing the pizza vibe.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, Italian sausage with heat, or even jalapeños for a kick.

Ingredients for Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Let’s break down the all-star ingredients that make this casserole so irresistible. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture:

Pasta: The hearty base that holds everything together. I use elbow macaroni or penne for the perfect bite.
Marinara Sauce: This brings the tangy, tomato-rich flavor that makes it taste like pizza in casserole form.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that classic stretchy, gooey cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that balances the richness of the dish.
Pepperoni: A bold, spicy touch that crisps up beautifully on top for that true pizza feel.
Italian Sausage: Crumbled and browned, it brings savory spice and heartiness to the mix.
Ground Beef: Adds bulk and a meaty richness to complement the sausage.
Olive Oil: Just a splash for cooking the meats and giving them a golden finish.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant mix that ties everything together with herbal notes.
Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): A sprinkle on top gives it a fresh, vibrant finish right before serving.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente—a minute or two less than the package recommends. It’ll continue cooking in the oven, so you want it slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of olive oil. Cook the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them apart with a spatula until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the marinara sauce. Add Italian seasoning and stir everything together until the meats are fully coated. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

In a large mixing bowl (or directly in your baking dish if it’s roomy), toss the cooked pasta with the meaty marinara sauce until every noodle is coated. This is your delicious base layer.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then add a layer of pepperoni slices. Repeat with the remaining pasta, more cheese, and another layer of pepperoni on top. You can also tuck in extra sausage or beef here if you saved some.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. For extra crispness, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Once everything is layered and ready in the baking dish, the casserole should cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes total. The first 20 minutes covered helps everything heat through evenly and keeps the cheese from over-browning. The final 10 minutes uncovered allow the top to get bubbly and golden.

If you’re using ingredients straight from the fridge or prepping it ahead of time, you may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly underdone pasta prevents a mushy texture after baking.
Drain the meat well. Removing excess grease keeps the casserole from getting oily.
Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded bags often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Layer generously. Don’t skimp on the cheese or pepperoni—this is meant to be indulgent!
Let it rest. Give the casserole about 5–10 minutes to cool after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving cleaner.
Add herbs at the end. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds color and brightness to balance the rich flavors.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is pretty forgiving, a few missteps can make it less than stellar. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the pasta: It’ll turn mushy once baked. Stop cooking it when it’s just al dente.
Skipping the grease drain: Failing to drain the fat from the sausage and beef can lead to a greasy, soggy bottom layer.
Using too much sauce: This can drown the pasta and throw off the balance. Aim for enough to coat, not flood.
Uneven layering: Distribute cheese, meat, and sauce evenly so every bite gets a bit of everything.
Underseasoning: Taste your sauce and meats before assembling. If they’re bland now, they’ll be bland later.
Not covering the dish initially: Covering helps melt the cheese evenly and keeps it from drying out too soon.

What to Serve With Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole?

This casserole is rich and meaty, so a few light or crisp sides will round it out beautifully.

Classic Caesar Salad

Crunchy romaine, parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing balance the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

Perfect for scooping up extra sauce and cheese—because why waste any?

Pickled Vegetables or Giardiniera

The tangy vinegar cuts through the cheesy, meaty layers and refreshes the palate.

Roasted or Steamed Broccoli

Adds a green, nutritious touch without competing with the bold pizza flavors.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella keep the Italian vibe going while feeling fresh.

Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic

A simple, flavorful side that adds crunch and brightness to the plate.

Sparkling Lemon Water or Light Red Wine

For drinks, try something crisp and refreshing to contrast the richness.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole? It stores beautifully. Whether you’re meal prepping or just planning for leftovers, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

In the Fridge: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
In the Freezer: To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2–3 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For frozen casseroles, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate per serving (assuming 8 servings total). Keep in mind this will vary depending on exact brands and quantities used:

Calories: ~550–600
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~32g
Saturated Fat: ~14g
Cholesterol: ~80mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~950–1100mg

This casserole is hearty and rich, so it makes a complete meal on its own or pairs well with lighter sides to balance things out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of meat works best for this casserole?

The classic trio is Italian sausage, ground beef, and pepperoni, but you can easily switch in bacon, ham, or ground turkey depending on your preferences. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before assembling.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes. It freezes well either before or after baking. For best results, wrap it tightly and use it within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

What pasta shape should I use?

Stick to short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni. These hold up better under sauce and cheese compared to long, thin pasta like spaghetti.

How do I keep the casserole from being too greasy?

Be sure to drain the meat well after browning. Also, avoid adding too much cheese or oil—moderation brings balance while still keeping it indulgent.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the meats for plant-based crumbles or roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers. Use a meatless marinara and you’re set.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, or reheat the whole dish covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Add foil to prevent drying out.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Definitely. Pizza sauce tends to be thicker and more seasoned, which can intensify the pizza flavor of the casserole. Just adjust other seasonings to taste.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything we love about pizza—meaty, saucy, and melty—packed into a comforting, oven-baked pasta dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough to serve to friends and family. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just indulging your cravings, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. Warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.