Oh my goodness, you have to try this Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole! It’s cheesy, saucy, and loaded with all your favorite meats. Trust me, it’s a total flavor bomb.
With layers of pasta, melty cheese, zesty sauce, and meats like sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef—it’s like pizza and pasta had the best baby ever. And it all bakes up in one cozy dish!
I love making this for game day, family dinners, or anytime we’re craving something hearty. It’s super satisfying and always a hit. Once you try it, it’ll be your new go-to comfort food.
Let’s make it together! Grab your meats, cheese, and pasta—I’ll show you how easy and delicious it is. You’re gonna love every gooey, meaty bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Meaty Goodness: This casserole brings together three kinds of meat—ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni—giving each bite a deep, satisfying flavor that feels hearty and comforting.
- Cheesy and Gooey: Mozzarella melts into the perfect creamy layer, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory finish that makes every mouthful delightful.
- Simple and Time-Saving: Using refrigerated pizza dough cuts down on prep time. No kneading or rolling needed—just press it into the dish and you’re halfway there.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a meal that both kids and adults love, making it a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. That way, dinner is ready when you are.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves about 8 people. It’s perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends.
Difficulty Level:
This recipe is easy to moderate. If you can brown meat and layer ingredients, you’re all set.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- A large skillet or frying pan to cook the meats
- A 9×13-inch baking dish to layer and bake the casserole
- Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- A spoon or spatula to spread sauce and mix meats
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
- Oven preheated to the right temperature for baking
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Choose lean to reduce excess grease while keeping flavor.
- 1 pound mild or spicy sausage, casings removed: Adds rich, savory depth. Mild keeps it family-friendly, spicy adds a kick.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni: Gives the casserole its classic pizza pepperoni taste.
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the meat mixture.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the meat sauce for a nice consistency.
- 1 (26-ounce) jar tomato basil pasta sauce: Choose your favorite brand for a flavorful, tangy sauce base.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The key to that stretchy, melty cheese layer everyone loves.
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that complements the mozzarella.
- 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough: No fuss dough that forms a soft, golden crust base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the meats and brushing the crust.
Variations for Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole
- Add Vegetables: Want to sneak in more nutrition? Try layering in sautéed mushrooms, green bell peppers, or red onions for a supreme-style twist.
- Use Different Meats: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Use hot Italian sausage for extra spice or diced ham for a smoky kick.
- Cheese Swap: Add sharp cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend instead of mozzarella for a more complex cheese flavor.
- Crust Alternatives: Don’t have pizza dough? You can use crescent roll dough or even a biscuit base for a fluffier casserole bottom.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the crust and use the meat and cheese layers only for a keto-friendly bake.
How to Make Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
Brown the ground beef and sausage, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook for about 7–10 minutes, or until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the chopped pepperoni and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, stirring well. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Sauce and Thicken
Sprinkle the 1/4 cup flour over the meat mixture and stir to coat.
Slowly pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly—about 3–5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly while preparing the crust.
4. Prepare the Crust
Unroll the pizza dough and gently press it into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Press up the sides slightly to form a shallow crust edge.
Pre-bake the dough (optional, but helpful) for about 5–7 minutes to avoid sogginess.
5. Layer the Casserole
- Spoon the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow everything to set.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve:
- Slice the casserole into square portions and serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- For a dipping option, warm up extra marinara or ranch dressing on the side.
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- A drizzle of garlic butter over the crust edges
Storing Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warm.
- Freezer: Freeze baked (and cooled) portions wrapped tightly in foil or in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Drain the Meat Well: Removing excess fat from the cooked meat keeps the crust from getting greasy or soggy.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: If you like a firmer base, bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the meat mixture.
- Cool Before Slicing: Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up so you get clean slices.
- Use Room Temperature Dough: Let the refrigerated pizza dough sit out for 10–15 minutes before unrolling—this makes it easier to stretch and press into the dish.
- Customize the Cheese: For extra gooeyness, add a layer of cheese both under and over the meat sauce.
Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~490 kcal |
| Protein | ~28 g |
| Fat | ~32 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~13 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~22 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sugars | ~5 g |
| Sodium | ~980 mg |
| Cholesterol | ~85 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole
Course: Dinners8
servings20
minutes45
minutes490
kcalIngredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 cup chopped pepperoni
4 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 (26-oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1 Tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pepperoni and 2 tsp Italian seasoning. Cook 2–3 more minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over meat. Stir well. Add tomato sauce and cook until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Roll out pizza dough into the baking dish. Pre-bake for 5–7 minutes.
- Spoon meat mixture over crust. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining Italian seasoning.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it fully, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely. If you prefer a homemade crust, go for it—just roll it to fit a 9×13 baking dish and pre-bake slightly as directed.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder in equal parts as a quick DIY alternative.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the meats for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and plant-based sausage or crumbles.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil) for 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices, but the crust will be softer.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Meat Feast Pizza Casserole brings together everything people love about pizza—meaty layers, gooey cheese, and bold sauce—into one easy-to-make baked dish. It’s warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, it’s a dependable, satisfying meal that never disappoints.
