Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1/2 lb pepperoni slices
• 1 lb ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 green bell pepper, diced

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole. This ensures the oven is hot and ready to create a perfectly melted, golden topping.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 16 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions, typically 9–11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, keeping it slightly firm as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
4. In the same skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and the diced green bell pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the pepper has softened, about 6–8 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
5. Add the 24 ounces of marinara sauce to the beef and bell pepper mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and meat distribution is uniform.
7. Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the top, followed by 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Arrange the 1/2 pound of pepperoni slices evenly on top for a classic pizza-style finish.