If you love a hearty, meat-filled pizza, this Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole is the perfect comfort food. It combines the bold flavors of ground beef, spicy sausage, and pepperoni with a rich tomato basil sauce and plenty of melted cheese, all baked under a golden pizza crust. This dish brings together everything you love about pizza in an easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
Unlike traditional pizza, this casserole is layered for a deep, satisfying bite. It eliminates the need for rolling out dough, making it an excellent choice for busy nights when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that reheat beautifully, this dish delivers.
Preparation Phase & Essential Tools
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Pastry brush (for brushing olive oil)
Preparation Tips
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. If using fattier meat, drain it well after cooking.
- Pre-cook the sausage and beef until fully browned to ensure the best texture in the casserole.
- Chop the pepperoni into small pieces to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Ingredients
Meat & Protein:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
Seasonings & Enhancements:
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce & Dairy:
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Dough & Toppings:
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. Stir occasionally and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until fully browned.
- Drain any excess grease.
2. Season & Thicken the Mixture
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and add the chopped pepperoni.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. This helps thicken the sauce later.
3. Simmer the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and stir well.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the meat sauce evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.
5. Add the Pizza Dough Layer
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and lay it over the cheese. Stretch it gently to fit the baking dish.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning on top.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool & Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, pizza-inspired dish.
This Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you want something light to balance the richness or another indulgent option to complete the meal, there are plenty of great choices.
Best Ways to Serve This Casserole
- Serve it hot and fresh from the oven with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair it with breadsticks or garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- For a casual gathering, cut it into smaller portions and serve as a finger-food option alongside dips.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor boost.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even with a simple recipe, a few small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some of the most common issues and how to prevent them.
1. Not Draining the Meat Properly
Excess grease from ground beef and sausage can make the casserole overly oily. After cooking the meat, drain it thoroughly using a paper towel or a strainer to remove excess fat before adding the sauce.
2. Using Too Much or Too Little Cheese
While cheese is one of the best parts of this casserole, using too much can make it overly heavy, and using too little can result in a dry texture. Stick to the recommended amounts, but feel free to adjust slightly based on preference.
3. Overcooking the Crust
The pizza dough layer should be golden brown but not too crisp. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
4. Not Letting the Casserole Rest Before Slicing
Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can cause the layers to fall apart. Letting it sit for five minutes allows it to set properly and makes it easier to cut into clean slices.
5. Choosing the Wrong Pizza Dough
Refrigerated pizza dough is convenient, but if you prefer a thicker crust, you can use fresh dough. Just make sure to roll it out evenly so it bakes properly.
8 Perfect Side Dishes for This Casserole
Pairing this dish with the right sides enhances the overall meal. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve alongside this casserole.
1. Garlic Bread
A classic side that complements the rich flavors of the casserole. The crispy exterior and buttery, garlicky taste are perfect for dipping into any extra sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy dressing provides a fresh contrast to the heaviness of the casserole.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add a healthy element to the meal. A little olive oil, salt, and Italian seasoning bring out their natural sweetness.
4. Mozzarella Sticks
For an extra cheesy side, mozzarella sticks are a fun and indulgent option. They match well with the Italian flavors of the casserole.
5. Marinated Olives
A bowl of marinated olives with herbs and garlic adds a bold, tangy contrast to the richness of the dish. They also work as a simple appetizer before serving the casserole.
6. Coleslaw
A light, vinegar-based coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and a slightly tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the casserole.
7. Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, and a balsamic vinaigrette makes a great side dish, balancing out the heavier flavors of the meal.
8. Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce
Soft, warm breadsticks with a side of marinara sauce provide an extra dipping option and enhance the pizza-like experience of the casserole.
By choosing the right sides and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a well-balanced and satisfying meal centered around this Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole.
This Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole is already packed with flavor, but small adjustments can make it even better. Whether you want to customize the ingredients or make the dish fit specific dietary needs, here are some ideas.
1. Add More Toppings
Just like a traditional pizza, this casserole can be customized with extra toppings. Consider adding:
- Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
- Diced bell peppers for a slight crunch
- Sliced black olives for a briny contrast
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
2. Try Different Cheeses
While mozzarella is the classic choice, mixing in other cheeses can enhance the dish. Provolone, cheddar, or gouda can bring new flavors and textures.
3. Make It Spicier
If you prefer a spicier dish, opt for hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or add cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
4. Use a Different Crust
If you want a thicker, homemade-style crust, use fresh pizza dough. Roll it out evenly and adjust baking time as needed. For a lower-carb version, try a cauliflower or almond flour crust.
5. Turn It into a Freezer Meal
Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and freeze it. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or wrap the entire casserole in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Place slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking the crust.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispier crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
2. What’s the best way to cut this casserole for serving?
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?
Yes. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. You may need to add a little olive oil while cooking to prevent it from drying out.
4. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza dough or substitute it with a cauliflower crust. Also, check that your pasta sauce and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Diced onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that delivers all the flavors of a classic meat-lover’s pizza in a hearty, oven-baked meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep, this casserole is easy to customize and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
With the right preparation, proper storage, and a few small tweaks, this dish can fit different dietary preferences and taste preferences. Try it once, and it might become a regular addition to your meal rotation.
