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
Scale
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.
