Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: Indulgent Twist with Turkey Bacon

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Indulgent Twist with Turkey Bacon

Welcome to this mouthwatering recipe blog post featuring an indulgent twist on the classic Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole. If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful dishes that are easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore how to elevate the traditional Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with the delicious addition of turkey bacon.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and a crispy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into why this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon is a must-try recipe that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

So, why should you consider making this delectable Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon? Here are a few reasons that will surely convince you:

1. It combines all the classic flavors of a meat lovers pizza in a convenient casserole format.

2. The addition of turkey bacon adds a delicious twist and a lighter option compared to traditional pork bacon.

3. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners when you want a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

4. It can be easily customized with your favorite pizza toppings to suit your preferences.

Now, let’s take a look at the list of ingredients you’ll need to bring this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon to life:

1. 1 pound of ground beef

2. 1 pound of Italian sausage

3. 1 package of turkey bacon, diced

4. 1 onion, diced

5. 3 cloves of garlic, minced

6. 1 can of diced tomatoes

7. 1 can of tomato sauce

8. 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning

9. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

10. Salt and pepper to taste

Meat Lovers Pizza

Step-by-Step Instructions

Next, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, turkey bacon, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned.

3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Spread half of the meat mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the shredded cheese.

5. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

For serving suggestions, consider pairing this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal that will delight your taste buds.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary restrictions, here are some recipe variations and substitutions you can try:

1. Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a leaner option.

2. Add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor.

3. Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.

4. For a spicy kick, incorporate sliced pepperoni or crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.

Pro Tips for Success

Now, let’s delve into some pro tips to ensure success when making this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon:

1. Cook the meat mixture until it’s well browned to develop rich flavors in the casserole.

2. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

3. Feel free to make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

4. Customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a more garlicky or herbaceous flavor profile.

5. Get creative with the cheese selection – mix and match different varieties for a unique twist on the classic casserole.

FAQs

To wrap up, here are some frequently asked questions about Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon:

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon instead of turkey bacon?

A: Yes, you can substitute pre-cooked bacon for turkey bacon in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole for later?

A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What other toppings can I add to customize this casserole?

A: Feel free to get creative with your favorite pizza toppings such as caramelized onions, sliced jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can omit the meat and double up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.

conclusion

In conclusion, this Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion. With its layers of savory goodness and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a go-to dish in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table!

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: Indulgent Twist with Turkey Bacon

Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole: Indulgent Twist with Turkey Bacon

Recipe by Author

This Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole with turkey bacon is a delightful twist on the classic favorite, featuring layers of savory meats, gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and a crispy topping. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this indulgent casserole is easy to prepare and customizable to suit your preferences.

Course: Main Dish Cuisine: Italian Difficulty: medium
4.5 from 120 votes
🍽️
Servings
8
⏱️
Prep time
20
minutes
🔥
Cooking time
30
minutes
📊
Calories
480
kcal
Cook Mode
Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 package turkey bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, turkey bacon, onion, and garlic until browned.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Spread half of the meat mixture in the baking dish. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
  5. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  8. Serve with a green salad and garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 480
Fat: 32
Carbohydrates: 8
Protein: 38
Sodium: 980
Fiber: 2
Sugar: 4