Description

Warm up with this hearty Meat Lovers Casserole recipe, packed with savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and crispy bacon, layered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs, this one-dish wonder delivers satisfying comfort and ease all in one pan.

Ingredients

Scale

Meats

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
6 slices bacon

Aromatics

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Meats: Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meats are fully done and the bacon is crisp. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness and set aside the meat mixture.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
Make the Sauce: Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce mixture. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over it. Add the remaining meat sauce on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and slicing to become easier.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality ground meats for the best texture and flavor.
Properly salt and season your meat mixture to deepen flavor.
Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better flavor fusion.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for a smoother and more even melt.
Consider simmering the sauce slowly for deeper flavor before assembling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg