Effortless Meat Lovers Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cheeses
01 -
200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
02 -
60 g shredded cheddar cheese
03 -
25 g grated Parmesan cheese
→ Sauce and Seasonings
04 -
480 ml marinara or pizza sauce
05 -
1 teaspoon Italian herbs blend
06 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if you like the heat)
→ Meats
08 -
60 g cooked, crispy bacon crumbles
09 -
450 g ground beef
10 -
225 g Italian sausage, no casing, broken up
11 -
60 g sliced pepperoni
→ Pasta
12 -
340 g rotini or penne
# Instructions:
01 -
Let it hang out for 5 to 10 minutes so it firms up a bit. Grab a spatula and cut big slices. Dig in while it’s still cozy and warm.
02 -
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese should look golden and nice with bubbles at the edges.
03 -
Cover everything with mozzarella, then cheddar, and finally shower the Parmesan all over.
04 -
Grease a 33 x 23 cm (9 x 13-inch) pan. Dump all your pasta-meat mix in and level it out with a spoon.
05 -
Toss your cooked noodles with the meats, bacon, pepperoni, sauce, seasoning, garlic powder, and some pepper flakes if you like a kick. Stir everything up so it mixes really well.
06 -
Set your oven at 190°C (375°F) so it’s ready when you are.
07 -
Brown up the sausage and beef in a skillet over a medium flame. Keep breaking it apart till it’s cooked through, then get rid of any extra fat.
08 -
Boil the pasta in salted water until it’s just a little firm when you bite in. Drain it well and let it sit nearby.
# Notes:
01 -
Try not to overcook the pasta so it stays springy when baked.
02 -
Cheese melts best if you grate it right before using.
03 -
Get rid of extra grease from your cooked meat for a less oily casserole.
04 -
Pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes if you want the cheese crust extra golden—just keep your eyes on it!
05 -
Leftovers go in a sealed container and stay good in the fridge for about three days. Freeze single portions for up to two months, no problem.
06 -
Kick up the heat by using more red pepper flakes or grab some hot Italian sausage instead.
07 -
Chop up some fresh basil or parsley on top before you eat for color and a little fresh flavor.