Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Who doesn’t love pizza? This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole takes all the flavors you love from a meaty pizza and turns it into a delicious casserole that will have your family coming back for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
• 1 (14 oz) jar pizza sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and pepperoni until beef is browned. Drain.
3. Stir in pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Press pizza dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with beef mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 25g

Popular questions:

• Is there a substitute for ground beef?
  You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?
  Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, provolone, or gouda.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  You can prepare the casserole up until baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
  You can omit the ground beef and pepperoni and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
• Can I freeze leftovers?
  Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Can I use homemade pizza dough?
  Yes, homemade pizza dough can be used instead of refrigerated dough for a more personalized touch.
• What other toppings can I add?
  Feel free to add additional toppings like cooked sausage, bacon, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
• Can I make this gluten-free?
  Use a gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this casserole gluten-free.
• How can I make this spicier?
  Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an added kick of heat.
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
  Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried Italian seasoning for a fresher flavor profile.

Helpful tips:

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Try using a blend of different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or asiago for a more complex flavor profile.
• To add a crunch, top the casserole with a handful of crushed tortilla chips before baking.
• Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious meal the next day.
• For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower crust instead of traditional pizza dough.
• Make mini versions of this casserole by using muffin tins for individual servings.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving for a sweet and tangy finish.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and pepperoni with a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and artichokes.

Expert Secrets:

• Cook the ground beef until it’s well browned to ensure maximum flavor.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the cheeses to set and hold together.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun or BBQ seasoning for a unique flavor twist.
• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough before adding the toppings and baking the casserole.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• For a smoky flavor, use smoked mozzarella or add a touch of liquid smoke to the beef mixture.
• Customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings like black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Layer thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms between the beef mixture and cheeses for added texture and nutrition.
• Use a mix of ground meats like beef, pork, and Italian sausage for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• For a gooey, cheesy finish, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking and broil until melted and bubbly.