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This protein-packed meat lover's pizza casserole transforms everyone's favorite pizza toppings into a hearty, family-friendly pasta dish. It combines all the savory meats you'd find on a deluxe pizza with tender pasta and gooey cheese for a comforting meal that satisfies even the most dedicated carnivores.
I created this recipe when my teenage sons started bringing home half the football team after practice. It quickly became our Friday night tradition, and I've been tweaking it to perfection ever since.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: creates the hearty base and provides rich flavor
- Italian sausage: adds that authentic pizza taste with its blend of fennel and spices
- Chicken ham: offers a leaner protein option while maintaining the meat lover experience
- Turkey bacon: provides that smoky bacon flavor with less fat than traditional bacon
- Penne pasta: holds up well to the hearty sauce and meat mixture
- Pizza sauce: saves time while delivering that classic pizza flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: creates that stretchy, gooey texture we all love
- Cheddar cheese: adds a sharp flavor contrast to the mild mozzarella
- Italian seasoning: blends all the essential pizza herbs in one convenient mix
- Garlic powder: infuses the dish with aromatic flavor without the prep of fresh garlic
- Onion powder: provides savory depth without chunks that picky eaters might reject
- Crushed red pepper: adds a pleasant kick that can be adjusted to your heat preference
- Black olives: contribute a briny contrast to the rich meats
- Pepperoni: creates that authentic pizza look and adds a spicy finishing touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Gather all ingredients before starting. Cook and crumble the turkey bacon, dice the chicken ham, and measure out your seasonings and cheeses for easy assembly.
- Cook The Pasta:
- Boil the penne pasta according to package directions, but aim for al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
- Brown The Meat Mixture:
- In a large, deep skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Drain the excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Add Remaining Meats:
- Incorporate the diced chicken ham and crumbled turkey bacon into the beef mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly. This brief cooking time allows the flavors to meld together.
- Create The Sauce:
- Pour in the pizza sauce and add all seasonings, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat. Let this simmer for the full 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and seasonings to bloom.
- Combine With Pasta:
- Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta in either your skillet (if large enough) or a separate mixing bowl. Ensure every pasta piece is coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Layer In Baking Dish:
- The layering technique is crucial for proper cheese distribution. Start with half the pasta mixture, then add cheese, then remaining pasta, followed by the final cheese layer.
- Add Toppings:
- Arrange pepperoni slices decoratively on top, spacing them evenly. Scatter olives between pepperoni pieces for visual appeal and balanced flavor in every bite.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Watch the casserole carefully during the final minutes of baking. The edges should bubble and the cheese should develop light golden spots but not burn.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes serving neater portions possible.
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The Italian sausage is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its importance when I once made the dish without it, and my husband immediately noticed something was missing. Now I always keep some in the freezer specifically for this casserole.
Make-Ahead Magic
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prepare it entirely the day before. Simply assemble as directed, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with a cold casserole.
Customize Your Meat Selection
While this recipe creates the ultimate meat lover's experience, you can easily adapt it based on what you have available. Ground turkey works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter option. Leftover rotisserie chicken can substitute for the chicken ham. The key is maintaining the overall quantity of protein to keep the casserole hearty and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this robust casserole with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment, though some might find this carb combination too hearty. For a fun presentation at parties, offer small bowls of traditional pizza toppings like banana peppers, fresh basil, or extra red pepper flakes so guests can customize their portions.
Common Queries
- → Can I substitute the meats?
Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausage, ham, or turkey bacon for your favorite meats or use more of one type. Just keep total amounts similar for best results.
- → Is another pasta shape suitable?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni or ziti works well. Stick to similar cooking times so the bake holds together.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate covered. Bake when ready, adding 5-10 minutes if baking from cold.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until hot and cheese is melty.
- → What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra cheese on top before baking for added flavor and variety.