why make this recipe
Meat Lovers Casserole Bake is the perfect dish for anyone who loves hearty and satisfying meals. With layers of pasta, ground beef, pepperoni, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a favorite for family dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, making it a great choice for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.
how to make Meat Lovers Casserole Bake
Ingredients:
- 225 g rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 450 g ground beef
- 138 g pepperoni slices
- 226 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 113 g mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 680 g marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Set your oven to 190°C. Lightly coat a 23×33 cm baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season it with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked rotini, pepperoni slices, 113 g of mozzarella cheese, mild cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to mix everything together.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 113 g of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
how to serve Meat Lovers Casserole Bake
Serve the casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also let each person add their favorite toppings, like extra cheese, crushed red pepper, or fresh herbs to personalize their dish.
how to store Meat Lovers Casserole Bake
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it in an airtight container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
tips to make Meat Lovers Casserole Bake
- For extra flavor, try adding some chopped onions or garlic when cooking the ground beef.
- You can substitute your favorite pasta or use a gluten-free version if needed.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist on the flavor.
- If you like it spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or spicy sausage to the mix.
variation
You can turn this casserole into a “Chicken Lovers” version by swapping the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and using chicken sausage instead of pepperoni. You could also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to make it a bit healthier.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage in place of ground beef for a different flavor.
3. How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you prefer.
Meat Lovers Casserole Bake
A hearty casserole with layers of pasta, ground beef, pepperoni, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 225 g rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 450 g ground beef
- 138 g pepperoni slices
- 226 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 113 g mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 680 g marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Set your oven to 190°C. Lightly coat a 23×33 cm baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season it with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
- Add the cooked rotini, pepperoni slices, 113 g of mozzarella cheese, mild cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to mix everything together.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 113 g of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped onions or garlic when cooking the ground beef. You can also customize the dish with different types of cheese and toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Meat-based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg