🍕 Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 package pepperoni slices (about 6 oz)

• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits, quartered

• (Optional) ½ pound cooked Italian sausage or crumbled bacon for extra “meat lovers” flavor

• (Optional) ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (and sausage, if using). Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning if desired.

3. Prepare the Base: Cut each biscuit into quarters and spread them evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

4. Layer the Goodness:

   • Sprinkle the cooked beef over the biscuits.

   • Add a layer of pepperoni slices (and bacon if using).

   • Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the top.

   • Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese all over.

5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until biscuits are cooked through and cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra pepperoni on top if you like.

🔥 Tips for Extra Flavor:

• Add chopped onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a supreme-style twist.

• Brush biscuit pieces with a little garlic butter before layering for a garlic bread vibe.

• Serve with ranch or marinara dipping sauce on the side.

🔥 Helpful Tips for the Perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:

🧀 Cheese Upgrades

1. Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for gooey, stretchy, and sharp flavors.

2. Sprinkle a little freshly grated parmesan on top before baking for a golden crust.

3. Add dollops of ricotta cheese in between layers for a creamy surprise.

🍖 Meat Perfection

4. Mix different meats: ground beef, Italian sausage, bacon, and pepperoni for that true “meat lovers” punch.

5. Cook meats with a touch of garlic and onion powder to deepen flavor.

6. Use spicy pepperoni or hot Italian sausage if you like a kick.

🍅 Sauce Secrets

7. Add fresh garlic and herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) to your pizza sauce for a homemade taste.

8. Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for extra richness.

9. For a smoky touch, mix in a bit of barbecue sauce with the pizza sauce.

🥖 Biscuit & Crust Enhancements

10. Brush biscuit pieces with garlic butter and Italian herbs before layering.

11. Par-bake the biscuits for 5 minutes before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.

12. Swap biscuits for crescent roll dough or even pasta for variety.

🌿 Extra Flavor Boosters

13. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

14. Throw in fresh basil or parsley before serving for freshness.

15. Drizzle with olive oil or hot honey right out of the oven for a gourmet touch.

🍴 Serving & Storing Tips

16. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.

17. Serve with a side of garlic breadsticks or a crisp salad.

18. Store leftovers in an airtight container—reheat in the oven for best texture (microwave softens the biscuits).

40 Secrets to the Perfect Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole:

🧀 Cheese Magic

1. Use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt.

2. Add a touch of smoked gouda or provolone for a smoky bite.

3. Mix cheddar with mozzarella for flavor depth.

4. Top with freshly grated parmesan before baking for a golden crust.

5. Use low-moisture cheese to avoid excess grease.

6. Add a layer of cheese in the middle and on top for gooey layers.

7. Sprinkle a little cheese under the biscuits to create a crispy edge.

8. Broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes for a bubbly, browned topping.

🍖 Meat Mastery

9. Combine beef, sausage, bacon, and pepperoni for true “meat lovers” flavor.

10. Season ground beef with garlic, onion powder, and Italian herbs.

11. Use hot Italian sausage if you want a spicy kick.

12. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it in.

13. Drain all meat well to avoid greasy casserole.

14. Add salami slices for an authentic pizzeria taste.

15. Marinate pepperoni briefly in olive oil and herbs before layering for extra flavor.

🍅 Sauce Secrets

16. Enhance store-bought pizza sauce with oregano, basil, and garlic.

17. Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for richness.

18. Add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.

19. Mix in a little barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.

20. Add a splash of red wine while cooking meat for depth.

🥖 Biscuit & Crust Enhancements

21. Brush biscuit quarters with garlic butter before layering.

22. Par-bake biscuits for 5 minutes to prevent sogginess.

23. Use crescent roll dough for a softer crust.

24. Swap in pasta (penne or rotini) for a pizza-pasta casserole twist.

25. Dust biscuits with parmesan and Italian seasoning before adding toppings.

🌿 Flavor Boosters

26. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a supreme-style casserole.

27. Stir in some black olives or jalapeños for extra zing.

28. Sprinkle crushed fennel seeds into the meat for a sausage-like flavor.

29. Use fresh basil on top after baking for brightness.

30. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or hot honey before serving.

🍴 Baking & Serving Tips

31. Bake uncovered for a crispy top.

32. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.

33. Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before cutting—this helps it set.

34. Cut with a sharp knife or pizza cutter for neat slices.

35. Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or marinara dip.

36. Pair with a crisp salad to balance richness.

37. Add fresh cracked black pepper just before serving.

🥶 Storage & Leftovers

38. Store leftovers in an airtight container—up to 3 days in the fridge.

39. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, to keep biscuits crispy.

40. Freeze unbaked casserole (without biscuits) for up to 2 months, then add biscuits fresh before baking.