Hearty Meat Lovers Pizza Bake

This meat lovers pizza casserole is the ultimate weeknight crowd-pleaser when you want all the flavors of your favorite pizza in one comforting dish. It layers seasoned ground beef, savory sausage, and spicy pepperoni with gooey mozzarella cheese and a golden pizza crust topping that bakes up perfectly crispy and cheesy.

I first threw this together when I needed a hearty dinner to feed a hungry family and it quickly became a staple because everyone raves about how satisfying and flavorful it is.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: provides a rich and meaty base choose 85 percent lean for the best texture and flavor without too much grease
• Pork sausage: adds a touch of savory spice and moisture use your favorite variety whether mild or Italian seasoned
• Chopped pepperoni: brings a punch of classic pizza flavor and a little heat—look for fresh slices with vibrant red color
• All-purpose flour: helps thicken the sauce so the casserole isn’t runny
• Italian seasoning: adds an aromatic blend of herbs to tie all the meat and cheese flavors together pick a fresh jar for the best aroma
• Tomato basil pasta sauce: is your pizza sauce select a good-quality sauce with bright tomato flavor and real basil for depth
• Shredded mozzarella: melts smoothly and creates the classic stringy cheesy layers you want in this dish fresh mozzarella is wonderful if you have time to shred it yourself
• Refrigerated pizza crust dough: makes topping the casserole easy and creates that golden brown crust everyone loves pick a crust that’s pliable and well refrigerated
• Olive oil: helps brush and crisp up the crust while adding a slight fruity richness
• Grated parmesan cheese: for a salty nutty finish that melts beautifully on top

Instructions

Build The Base:

Cook ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. This step lets the meat develop flavor and release fat so it browns nicely. Drain the fat to avoid grease pooling in the casserole. Return meat to skillet for the next stage.

Add Pepperoni And Thicken The Sauce:

Stir the chopped pepperoni, flour, and three teaspoons of Italian seasoning into the hot meat. Cook this for a minute to toast the flour and distribute the seasoning evenly. Then stir in the pasta sauce and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the meat perfectly. Remove from heat.

Layer The Casserole:

Spoon the thick meat and sauce mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of 1 and a half cups mozzarella evenly over the top. This creates a melty cheesy layer that balances the meatiness.

Add Pizza Crust And Final Cheese:

Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust dough and carefully place it over the mozzarella layer. Use your fingers to tuck in the edges so it seals the top slightly. Brush the crust with olive oil to help it brown and sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a cup of mozzarella, and the grated parmesan. These final touches create the golden and savory crust topping.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the casserole in a preheated 425-degree oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The crust should puff and turn golden brown and the cheeses will be bubbling underneath. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so slices hold together better and flavors meld.

My favorite part is the crust on top because it crisps just like a pizza but with all the melty cheese inside. One Christmas Eve, my family gathered around this dish after skating and it instantly felt like the perfect cozy winter dinner.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish at 350 degrees until warmed through and the crust is crisp again.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to lighten up the dish, swap pork sausage for turkey sausage or omit the pepperoni and use extra mozzarella. For a vegetarian option, replace meats with plant-based sausage or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for texture.

Serving Ideas

Serve this casserole with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables also complement the hearty flavors well. A cold beer or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing contrast.

This casserole captures all the satisfying flavor of a pizza in a cozy baked dish that brings family and comfort to your table.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked meat for this dish?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage and ground beef can be used to reduce preparation time without compromising flavor.

→ What can I add to make it spicier?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture will give it a nice spicy kick.

→ Are there vegetarian alternatives to the meats used?

Plant-based crumbles or seasoned mushrooms can replace the meats for a vegetarian-friendly version.

→ Can I substitute the pizza crust dough?

Yes, refrigerated or homemade pizza dough works well as a topping. You can also try puff pastry for a different texture.

→ How do I ensure the crust turns golden and crispy?

Brushing the dough with olive oil and baking at a high temperature helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.