Now, in a skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, and cook until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5 minutes. This step fills my kitchen with a delightful aroma that makes everyone curious about what’s coming next!
Next, mix in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat and veggie mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, toss this delicious meat mixture with the cooked penne pasta in a large bowl. If it feels a bit too dry, just add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Now it’s time to put everything in the baking dish! Layer half of the pasta mixture at the bottom, followed by a layer of half the mozzarella cheese and half the pepperoni. Repeat this layering process with the remaining pasta, cheese, and pepperoni on top. Cover with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first started making this casserole, I experimented with different pasta shapes. My favorite has been penne, but I tested rotini and rigatoni as well—both were good, but nothing beats that bite of penne!
I’ve also found that using a mix of cheeses, like mozzarella and provolone, creates a richer flavor. Sometimes I’ll even sprinkle some Parmesan on top right before baking. The additional cheese just takes it to another level of cheesiness that my family adores.
Lastly, if you’re like me and enjoy a hint of spice, adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture can give just the right amount of kick! It’s always fun to customize this dish to fit your mood.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made during my early attempts at this recipe was overcooking the pasta. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy in the oven. Remember, you’re going for al dente since it will continue cooking while baking. (See the next page below to continue…)