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Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: A Hearty Family Meal

A hearty, protein-packed Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole that combines ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ham with rotini pasta and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate family comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 pound pepperoni, sliced
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Stir in pepperoni, ham, pizza sauce, drained tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and stir into the meat sauce.
  6. Transfer half of the mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar.
  7. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • To save time, you can cook the pasta while browning the meat.
  • For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole, Pizza Pasta Bake, Family Dinner Recipe, Hearty Casserole