A hearty and cheesy casserole packed with your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole!