Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Directions

1. 1. Cook the penne pasta just until al dente according to package instructions. This ensures the pasta maintains its structure during baking and absorbs the sauce without becoming mushy. Drain well and set aside, allowing any residual steam to escape so the pasta doesn’t become overly soft before assembling the casserole.
   2. In a large skillet set over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, ground beef, and diced green bell pepper. Break up the meats as they cook so the mixture becomes evenly crumbled and blends smoothly into the pasta later. Continue cooking until all the meat is browned and the bell pepper has softened. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole rich but not overly heavy.
   3. Combine the cooked pasta with the browned meat mixture in a large mixing bowl or directly in the skillet if it’s spacious enough. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated. The sauce helps bind the ingredients and infuses the casserole with classic pizza flavor.
   4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer so it bakes uniformly. Smoothing the top helps ensure the cheese melts evenly in the next steps.