Time Required:
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 25 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes
Introduction
Indulge in a classic meal with a comfort food twist! Presenting – the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. It’s the perfect blend of every meat lover’s dream with a delectable pizza experience recreated in the form of a casserole. Ideal for family dinners or a fun get together with friends, this hearty dish is definitely worth a try.
Why Make This Recipe
Get the best of both worlds – your favourite pizza topping and a warm casserole. The variety of scrumptious meats with oozy cheese make this dish a crowd pleaser. It’s fuss-free to make and extremely satisfying for the taste buds.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
– 1 cup pepperoni slices
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the rotini pasta as indicated on the packaging until it is al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking it till it is browned (which typically takes 5-7 minutes). Include the onion and garlic, cooking until softened for about 3 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you’re using it).
3. Stir into the skillet, the marinara sauce, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and combine the cooked pasta until it is well coated.
4. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top it up with half of the pepperoni. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers with the remaining pasta, pepperoni, and cheeses.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and has turned golden.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Ideally, allow it to cool a bit before serving. Complement this palatable casserole with a side of fresh salad or some fluffy garlic bread for a wholesome meal.
How to Store Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container once cooled. It can simply be refrigerated for a few days and reheated when you’re ready to serve it again.
Tips to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole
Improvise with the variety of meats you would like to include apart from the ones mentioned. Try adding your own touch to make it a personalized experience.
Variations
While this casserole is focused on meat lovers, a vegetarian/vegan version could be created by substituting meat with plant-based proteins and vegan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure. Any pasta of your choice can be used in place of rotini.
2. Can I add in additional toppings/fillings?
Yes, you can! Feel free to add your favourite vegetables or even some mushrooms for an added flavour.
3. Can I freeze this casserole for later use?
Yes, the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole can be frozen and enjoyed later. Just be sure to fully reheat it before serving.