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Casseroles have long been celebrated as the quintessential comfort food, known for their ability to bring warmth and satisfaction to any gathering. These versatile dishes offer a delicious way to combine various ingredients into a single, hearty meal that can serve a crowd. Whether it's a family dinner, a potluck party, or a cozy night in, casseroles provide a comforting embrace with every bite.

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Heavenly Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. This mouthwatering dish combines layers of ground beef, spicy sausage, pepperoni, and ham, all mingled with aromatic onions and garlic in a rich tomato sauce. Topped with gooey melted cheese and fresh basil, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Dive into a medley of pizza flavors brought together in a hearty, satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and sure to please everyone!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 cup diced pepperoni

1 cup diced ham

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

      Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

        Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

          Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

            Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat-tomato mixture, diced pepperoni, and diced ham. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated.

              Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and meat mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over it. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.

                Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

                  Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8