Today’s Colorado Recipe: Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Get ready to cozy up with a warm, cheesy, and incredibly hearty dinner straight from the heart of Colorado! This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is everything you love about a loaded pizza—Italian sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, and gooey cheese—baked together into a bubbling, family-friendly pasta bake that screams comfort food.

This is the kind of dish that fills the house with the smell of Italian herbs and sizzling pepperoni, and brings everyone running to the table. Whether it’s a chilly mountain night or a busy weeknight, this casserole delivers bold flavor, satisfying portions, and that classic pizzeria taste with the convenience of one pan.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a win for so many reasons. First, it packs in three types of meats for a flavor-rich experience—Italian sausage adds spice, ground beef brings heartiness, and pepperoni delivers that classic pizza punch. The pasta is cooked just until al dente so it doesn’t go mushy during baking, and the whole dish is bound together with a generous helping of marinara and melty cheeses.

Adding diced green bell pepper brightens up the mix with a slight crunch and balances out the rich meats. Topped with mozzarella and parmesan, and finished under the broiler for a golden crust, it’s like pizza and pasta had a delicious casserole baby.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this satisfying Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:

1 lb Italian sausage – spicy or mild, your choice

1/2 lb pepperoni slices – reserve some for the top!

1 lb ground beef – adds richness and protein

24 oz marinara sauce – use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella – for that gooey, stretchy layer

1/2 cup grated parmesan – adds saltiness and depth

16 oz penne pasta – holds sauce perfectly with its ridges

1 tsp Italian seasoning – for that classic herby finish

1 green bell pepper, diced – for color and crunch

How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

This easy casserole comes together in just a few steps and bakes into a bubbling, pizza-inspired masterpiece:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add penne and cook until just al dente—about 9–10 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats and Veggies

In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage, ground beef, and diced green bell pepper over medium heat.

Break the meat into crumbles and cook until no longer pink.

Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Mix Pasta, Sauce, and Meat

In a large mixing bowl (or the pot you used for pasta), combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, marinara sauce, and about half the pepperoni slices.

Stir until well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.

Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices across the cheese.

Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.

Switch oven to broil and cook for 2 additional minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips + Tricks for Pizza Casserole Success

Use good-quality marinara: The sauce flavors the whole dish, so make it count. Add a pinch of sugar if your sauce is very acidic.

Cook pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will turn mushy after baking.

Drain meats well: Too much grease will pool at the bottom of your casserole.

Add more toppings: Think of this as your pizza base—add black olives, mushrooms, jalapeños, or even pineapple before baking.

Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake a few minutes longer.

Freezer-friendly: Freeze the fully assembled, unbaked casserole tightly wrapped. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but if you’re looking to stretch it into a complete dinner spread, here are a few great additions:

Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or Italian salad balances the richness.

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Great for scooping up saucy bites.

Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or green beans make great sides.

Red Pepper Flakes + Parmesan: Serve at the table for spice and cheesy flair.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Freeze: Wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen for best texture.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories: 520

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 34g

Fat: 31g

Fiber: 3g

Note: Nutrition will vary based on the exact ingredients used, especially sauces and cheese.

Why Colorado Loves It

There’s something about the chilly mountain air and vibrant food culture in Colorado that makes casseroles like this feel right at home. It’s bold, rustic, satisfying, and built to fuel your adventures—whether you’re hiking the Rockies or just chasing kids around the house. It brings all the comfort of pizza night, minus the delivery guy, and fills your kitchen with the smell of home.

Final Thoughts: A Pizza Lover’s Dream, Baked to Perfection

If you’re craving that meaty, cheesy, saucy goodness of a classic pizza but want the comfort of a hot-from-the-oven bake, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is your answer. It’s everything you love—layered, loaded, and made to feed a hungry crowd. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it a staple for picky eaters and flavor fanatics alike.

So go ahead, print it out, pin it, and share it—this is one recipe worth passing around the dinner table. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, and don’t be surprised if your family asks for it again and again.

More Articles You Might Like