Description
This hearty Meatzza Casserole combines a medley of flavorful meats, fresh vegetables, and pasta baked with melty mozzarella cheese and rich pizza sauce for a deliciously comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 mild Italian sausages, casings removed
- ½ cup pepperoni slices
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne, rotini, or ziti)
Vegetables
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Brown Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped bacon, and Italian sausage. Cook thoroughly until all the meats are browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture until the vegetables have softened and released their flavors, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked meat mixture back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Then, add this combined mixture to the drained pasta. Stir in the pizza sauce and pepperoni slices thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Bake: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour in the pasta and meat mixture. Spread it evenly and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese melts fully and becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the Italian sausages for spicy varieties if you prefer a little heat.
- Feel free to use your favorite pasta shapes but avoid very small or delicate pasta to maintain the casserole’s texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking can add an extra layer of flavor.
