Description
A hearty, cheesy casserole packed with all your favorite pizza toppings perfect for a family dinner or game day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 (16 oz) package rotini or penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- ½ cup cooked bacon crumbles (optional for extra “meat lovers”)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Cook the meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a little olive oil.
Add Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Stir in the diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well. - Add the sauce
Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce and stir to combine.
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Spread the mixture evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
Arrange pepperoni slices (and bacon, if using) on top. Add diced bell pepper if you like. - Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- For a Colorado twist, mix in some chopped green chiles with the sauce for a pop of regional flavor.
- This dish is highly customizable feel free to toss in mushrooms, olives, or whatever pizza toppings your crew loves.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Colorado-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: pizza casserole, meat lovers casserole, hearty baked pasta, Colorado style dinner