Easy Meat Pizza Casserole

🍕 Easy Meat Pizza Casserole

Love pizza? Love casseroles? Then you’re going to love this Easy Meat Pizza Casserole! It brings together all the yummy flavors of pizza—cheese, meat, and sauce—into one warm and comforting baked dish.

It’s perfect for:

• Busy weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Potlucks or parties
• Meal prep (leftovers taste great!)

🛒 What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works great)
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until it’s al dente (just a little firm). Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Meat

In a skillet, brown your ground beef or sausage. Once it’s cooked, drain off the extra fat.

3. Mix Everything Together

In a big bowl, mix:

• Cooked pasta
• Cooked meat
• Pizza sauce
• Bell peppers and mushrooms
• Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper

4. Assemble the Casserole

Put everything in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top it with mozzarella, cheddar, and olives (if using).

5. Bake It

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

6. Let It Cool & Serve

Let it sit for a few minutes after baking. Then serve warm and enjoy!

🥗 Serving Ideas

• With a green salad to keep things fresh
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping
• Serve family-style right out of the casserole dish

🧊 How to Store Leftovers

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• To reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the pasta! It’ll keep cooking in the oven.
• Drain the meat well to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Pre-cook veggies like mushrooms and peppers so they don’t make the dish watery.
• Use fresh cheese for better melt and taste.
• Add your favorite toppings—like pepperoni, spinach, or even cooked bacon!

🔄 Easy Customizations

• Make it vegetarian: Use mushrooms or plant-based meat instead.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Try other cheeses: Like provolone, fontina, or pepper jack.
• Add fresh herbs: Basil, oregano, or parsley add a fresh touch.

❓FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Of course! It saves time and still tastes great.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Cover with foil for the first part of baking, then uncover to brown the cheese.

✅ Conclusion

This Easy Meat Pizza Casserole is warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor—just like your favorite pizza, but in a simple baked pasta dish. It’s easy to customize and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping meals ahead of time.

Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again! 🍽️