Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is a deliciously hearty dish combining ground beef, Italian sausage, and a medley of classic pizza toppings baked into a comforting casserole. Perfect for family dinners, it layers savory meat sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and colorful bell peppers, all seasoned with Italian herbs and baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer briefly to combine the flavors.
- Layer Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the meat and tomato mixture as the first layer.
- Add Toppings: Top the meat layer with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and chopped bell peppers.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining meat mixture, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and bell peppers to create a second layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or olives to the layers for extra flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to help it set.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
