If you are craving a hearty dish that brings all the best flavors of a pizza into a warm, comforting meal, look no further than this Meatzza Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of savory meats, vibrant veggies, and cheesy goodness baked right into your favorite pasta. This recipe perfectly captures the spirit of pizza night but in a cozy casserole form that’s both filling and irresistible. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Meatzza Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component is essential, contributing to the dish’s rich savory profile and inviting aroma.
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti): This provides the perfect sturdy base to soak up all the tasty sauce and meaty goodness.
- ½ lb lean ground beef: Adds a juicy, beefy flavor and protein-packed punch.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Crispy, smoky bacon bits bring an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor.
- 4 mild Italian sausages, casings removed: These add a gentle spiced richness that elevates the meat blend.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, it lends a fruity richness and smooth texture.
- 1 sweet onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and tender crunch when cooked down.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: A burst of color and fresh peppery notes brighten the casserole.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic kick that everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly complements the meaty and veggie flavors.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms add moisture and a subtle umami boost.
- ½ cup pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping flavor that perfectly complements the sausage and beef.
- 3 cups pizza sauce: A zesty tomato base that ties every element together with tang and herbs.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, creamy cheese is the crowning glory that makes this a true comfort food.
How to Make Meatzza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (177°C). Then, cook the pasta following the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Draining it properly ensures it will soak up the delicious sauce without becoming mushy. Set the pasta aside while you prep the meats and veggies.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, and Italian sausage. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the meats are beautifully browned and caramelized. This step develops a robust flavor foundation. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet (no need to wash it), heat the olive oil and toss in your chopped onion, green pepper, mushrooms, garlic, and the dried Italian seasoning. Cook everything until the veggies soften and release their fragrant aromas, creating a wonderful flavor punch that pairs perfectly with the meat.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring all the star players together. Add the browned meat mixture and sautéed vegetables into a large bowl (or back into your clean pot) with the drained pasta. Stir in the pepperoni slices and pour in the pizza sauce, evenly coating every bite in rich tomato goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket. The smell alone will have you ready to dig in immediately!
How to Serve Meatzza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a vibrant green pop and fresh herbal note that complements the rich flavors. For extra indulgence, a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top can elevate the cheesiness to another level.
Side Dishes
This Meatzza Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads or simple garlic bread to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables can also provide a colorful, nutritious sidekick to this indulgent comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in topped ramekins for a charming, personal touch or scoop the casserole onto plates with a side of fresh tomato slices drizzled with balsamic vinegar. You can also turn leftover Meatzza into filling for stuffed peppers for an exciting twist the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Meatzza Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more so, when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked or cooked casserole in portions. For best results, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Frozen casseroles will maintain the best quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed casseroles in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Microwaving works for quick reheats but may not preserve the melty cheese’s texture as nicely as the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or ziti are all great since they hold sauce well, but feel free to substitute with your favorite short pasta shape to keep this Meatzza Casserole Recipe flexible and fun.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you want to change it up, ground turkey or chicken with Italian seasoning works well. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure it’s fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap all meats for plant-based protein crumbles or extra mushrooms and add more veggies like zucchini and spinach. Use a vegetarian pizza sauce and cheese to keep it true to the Meatzza Casserole Recipe’s spirit without meat.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat or sprinkling some hot sauce into the pizza sauce before mixing can give the dish a nice kick. Be cautious and adjust to taste so the heat complements rather than overwhelms.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake as directed. This makes it perfect for busy nights or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the comforting layers of this Meatzza Casserole Recipe. It brings warmth and bold flavor to the table while being surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding family or craving a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites to make and share. Give it a try—you’ll love how every bite tastes just like your favorite meaty pizza made cozy and casserole-style!
Print
Meatzza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Meatzza Casserole combines your favorite pizza flavors with a comforting pasta bake. Loaded with ground beef, bacon, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and sautéed vegetables in a rich pizza sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
Meats
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 mild Italian sausages, casings removed
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Other
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Brown Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped bacon, and Italian sausage. Cook until all the meats are browned and cooked through. Once done, drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the browned meat mixture, and the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the pizza sauce and the pepperoni slices until everything is well incorporated.
- Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the Meatzza Casserole hot as a delicious and filling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like chopped zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
- Use low-sodium pizza sauce to reduce the overall sodium content.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
