Description
This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is an ultimate comfort food combining ground beef, pork sausage, pepperoni, and a rich tomato basil sauce layered with gooey mozzarella and topped with a golden baked pizza crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it delivers all the favorite flavors of a meat feast pizza in an easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
Cheese and Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Dough and Oil
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425º F (220º C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no longer pink, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once cooked, drain excess fat.
- Add Pepperoni and Seasoning: To the skillet with the cooked meats, add chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well to combine.
- Incorporate Sauce: Pour in the jar of tomato basil pasta sauce, stir, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the meat and sauce mixture into the prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Prepare Pizza Dough Topping: Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and place it over the cheese layer to cover the casserole. Brush the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, extra mozzarella cheese (if desired), and 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pizza crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving your hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute the pork sausage with Italian sausage or eliminate it for a leaner option.
- For extra cheese, sprinkle some additional shredded mozzarella under the crust as well.
- Make sure to drain the cooked meat well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
