Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty and satisfying twist on classic pizza flavors, combined into a comforting baked pasta dish. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines sausage, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 jars (24 ounces each) traditional pasta sauce
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 box (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta
• 1 bag (12 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 bag pepperoni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Step 2: Drizzle olive oil into a large sauté pan and heat over medium. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Pour in the pasta sauce jars and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni pasta in boiling water for 8 minutes, leaving it slightly undercooked. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
4. Step 4: Set aside 18 whole pepperoni slices. Chop the remaining pepperoni into pieces.
5. Step 5: Add the meat sauce, chopped pepperoni, and a handful of shredded mozzarella to the drained pasta. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and arrange the reserved whole pepperoni slices over it. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and the pepperoni becomes crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers to the sausage while cooking.
• Substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti for a slightly different texture.
• Use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Top with fresh basil or parsley after baking for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef can be substituted for Italian sausage, but the flavor will be milder. You can add Italian seasoning or spices to replicate the sausage taste.

Is it necessary to undercook the pasta before baking?

Yes, undercooking the pasta slightly helps it finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy, ensuring the perfect texture in the casserole.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 51 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, rigatoni pasta, and rich mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. With layers of marinara sauce and melted cheese, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that delivers all the flavor of classic pizza in an easy-to-make casserole form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Meat

• 2 jars (24 ounces each) traditional pasta sauce
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta and Cheese

• 1 box (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta
• 1 bag (12 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 bag pepperoni (quantity not specified, approximate 3–4 ounces)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Boil: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the pasta.
2. Cook the Sausage and Sauce: Drizzle olive oil into a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the two jars of marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil the rigatoni pasta for about 8 minutes, ensuring it is al dente and slightly undercooked for baking later. Drain the pasta and return it to the large pot.
4. Prepare the Pepperoni: Count out 18 whole pepperoni slices and set them aside. Chop the remaining pepperoni into smaller chunks.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Add the meat sauce, chopped pepperoni, and a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese to the pot with the drained pasta. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta with sauce and cheese.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and arrange the reserved 18 whole pepperoni slices over the cheese.
7. Bake: Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni edges are crispy.

Notes

• For best texture, do not overcook the pasta before baking; it should be slightly undercooked.
• You can substitute rigatoni with any other medium to large tubular pasta like penne or ziti.
• If you like it spicier, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to help it set.
• For a lower-fat option, use turkey sausage and part-skim mozzarella cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, Italian sausage casserole, baked pasta casserole, pizza pasta bake, pepperoni pasta casserole