There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in one hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. This **Meatzza Casserole Recipe** takes all your favorite pizza toppings—zesty pepperoni, savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and melty mozzarella—and marries them with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich pizza sauce for a satisfying, delicious one-dish wonder. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole is sure to become your go-to recipe when you want something warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together to make this dish sing with flavor. Each one plays a crucial role—whether adding meaty goodness, fresh crunch, or that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti): The perfect base to soak up all those amazing meaty and saucy flavors.
- ½ lb lean ground beef: Adds hearty richness without being too greasy.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Crispy, smoky bites that bring an unbeatable flavor punch.
- 4 mild Italian sausages, casings removed: For that classic Italian spice and savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté vegetables while adding a touch of fruitiness.
- 1 sweet onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and tender texture.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds crunch and a vibrant pop of color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to enhance every bite.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy flavor and tender bite to deepen the casserole’s texture.
- ½ cup pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping that brings that spicy, meaty zing.
- 3 cups pizza sauce: The saucy, tangy heart that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that you’ll adore.
How to Make Meatzza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Cook your chosen pasta according to the package’s instructions until it’s just al dente—perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain it well and set it aside. This pasta will be the sturdy base that holds all the meaty, cheesy goodness together.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine your lean ground beef, chopped bacon, and peeled Italian sausages. Cook them until they’re nicely browned and cooked through, letting their flavors meld. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily but while preserving that rich meat flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Keeping the same skillet, add the olive oil and then toss in the onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook everything until the veggies soften and become fragrant. This step adds fresh texture and layers of flavor, balancing the heartiness of the meats.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now for the fun part—mixing it all! Add your browned meat mixture and sautéed vegetables to the drained pasta. Stir in the tangy pizza sauce and those delicious pepperoni slices. This mixture is the soul of the casserole, bringing together classic pizza flavors in a warm, comforting form.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your combined ingredients into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling. The golden cheese crust is what completes this meaty masterpiece.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool just slightly so it’s easier to serve. Then, dish up generous portions, and get ready to enjoy every cheesy, meaty, saucy bite of this comforting favorite!
How to Serve Meatzza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this casserole to the next level. Try sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top after baking for a burst of herbal brightness. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick if you like a little heat. Grated Parmesan cheese also adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella.
Side Dishes
This Meatzza Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a healthy, vibrant touch. Garlic bread is a must if you’re craving some extra comfort—perfect for sopping up leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this casserole family-style straight from the oven is classic and comforting, but for a fun twist, try individual servings baked in small ramekins. You can even experiment by layering it in a lasagna-style layering with extra cheese between layers for a decadent twist. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top for a pretty, rustic look that’s as inviting as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Meatzza Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you reheat, the flavors will have melded even more, sometimes making the dish taste better the next day!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven helps maintain that lovely melty cheese texture and even heating throughout.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in the Meatzza Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or ziti work beautifully because they hold sauce and toppings well, but feel free to experiment with other shapes you love or have on hand.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It’s mild by default, thanks to the sweet onion and mild Italian sausages. If you prefer heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage varieties.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While the original Meatzza Casserole Recipe features lots of meats, you can swap them out for meat alternatives or extra veggies like eggplant, zucchini, and olives for a delicious vegetarian version.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is ideal for that stretchy, melty cheese topping, but mixing in some provolone or cheddar can add wonderful flavor complexity if you want to get creative.
Can I prepare this ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Meatzza Casserole Recipe is like a warm, delicious hug on a plate—perfect for those days when you crave the hearty flavors of pizza combined with the cozy comfort of pasta. It’s simple to make, satisfying to eat, and sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and whip up a batch soon—you’re going to love it!
Print
Meatzza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Meatzza Casserole is a delicious, pizza-inspired pasta bake featuring a medley of Italian meats, fresh vegetables, savory pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines the comforting flavors of a meaty pizza with the satisfying texture of al dente pasta baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Ingredients
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 mild Italian sausages, casings removed
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne, rotini, or ziti)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Other
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped bacon, and Italian sausages. Cook until all the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion, green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Add the browned meat mixture and sautéed vegetables to the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the pizza sauce and pepperoni slices, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil. Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top in an even layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy your Meatzza Casserole as a satisfying main dish!
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta shape with any short pasta you prefer, like penne or rigatoni.
- For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausages.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it lower fat, opt for turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese.
