Description
A hearty and flavorful casserole packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and plenty of cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection with egg noodles in a rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (12 ounce) package egg noodles
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate Pepperoni and Bacon: Stir in the chopped pepperoni and crumbled bacon. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Boil the Noodles: While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously. Cook the noodles until they are al dente.
- Drain the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well in a colander. Rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, the meat sauce, 3 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier casserole, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives or add more vegetables.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze the casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Noodle Alternatives: While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti. Just be sure to cook them al dente.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a crispy topping, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese before baking.
- Ricotta Cheese Layer: For an extra creamy casserole, spread a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and some Parmesan cheese over the noodles before adding the meat sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great for feeding a crowd at parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes