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→ LET’S MAKE THIS CHEESY MASTERPIECE! ♥
STEP 1 — PREHEAT THE OVEN
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
STEP 2 — COOK THE PASTA
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, following the package directions.
Drain well. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking it at this stage.
STEP 3 — BROWN THE MEAT
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.
Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant. Make sure the ground beef and sausage reach 160°F (71°C).
STEP 4 — ADD THE PIZZA FLAVORS
Stir in the pizza sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little black pepper.
Add about half of the sliced pepperoni and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. Taste before adding salt, since the meats and cheeses already contribute plenty of seasoning.
STEP 5 — MIX EVERYTHING TOGETHER
Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and stir until every piece is coated in that delicious tomato mixture.
Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
STEP 6 — ADD THE CHEESE!
Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the casserole. Finish with Parmesan cheese and the remaining pepperoni slices.
Don't be shy with that cheesy topping—it's what makes this casserole so irresistible! ♥
STEP 7 — BAKE UNTIL BUBBLY
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbling, and the center is piping hot.
For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
STEP 8 — SERVE AND ENJOY!
Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy all that savory meat, rich pizza sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese in every bite.
Get ready for requests for seconds! ♥
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✧ LITTLE SECRETS FOR THE BEST PIZZA CASSEROLE ✧
★ Don't overcook the pasta. Slightly firm pasta holds its texture better after baking.
★ Drain the meat well. This keeps the casserole rich and saucy without becoming greasy.
★ Use freshly shredded cheese. It often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
★ Customize your meat lovers mix. Add cooked bacon pieces, extra sausage, or more pepperoni if you like.
★ Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
★ Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate promptly. When baking from cold, allow extra time and check that the center reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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♥ WHAT TO SERVE WITH IT
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A crisp garden salad
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Caesar salad
- Steamed vegetables for a lighter side
And if you have leftovers, refrigerate them within 2 hours in a covered container and enjoy within 3–4 days.
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✦ A LITTLE PIZZA MAGIC IN EVERY BITE ✦
Some dinners are simply made for sharing, and this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is one of them! It's packed with the familiar flavors of pizza night, but in a comforting, oven-baked dish that's easy to serve to the whole family.
From the savory meat sauce to the bubbling cheese and crispy pepperoni on top, every forkful delivers a little taste of happiness. ♥
♥ NOW TELL US! Which topping would you add first: extra pepperoni, crispy bacon, or more Italian sausage? Share your favorite in the comments, and save this recipe for your next cheesy family dinner!
Thank you for spending a little time with us today. ❤️
✍️ Written with care by BASSMA EL-HAZIBI
