Description
This hearty Pizza Casserole is a cheesy, meaty mashup of your favorite pizzeria flavors and classic pasta comfort. Loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, all tossed with pasta and pizza sauce, then baked under a melty blanket of cheese—it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
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12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked al dente
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1 lb ground beef, browned
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½ lb Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
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½ cup pepperoni slices
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½ cup cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled
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2 cups marinara or pizza sauce (choose high-quality for best flavor)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Mix It All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Cooked pasta
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Meat mixture
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Pepperoni slices
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Crumbled bacon
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Marinara sauce
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Italian seasoning
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Garlic powder
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix until fully incorporated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top evenly with:
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Mozzarella cheese
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Cheddar cheese
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Parmesan cheese
6. Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
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Feel free to use homemade marinara for a more personal touch.
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Spice levels can be adjusted to taste.
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This recipe scales easily for larger gatherings or parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American