🍝 Sizzling Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole 🥩

Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish for easy release. 🌟
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside. If you prefer a softer texture, cook a minute longer. 🍝
Brown the meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with a spatula as they cook. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. 🥩
Sauté the veggies
In the same pan, add the diced green pepper (and optional mushrooms or olives) and sauté until just tender, about 3–4 minutes. This builds flavor right into the base. 🫑
Combine sauce and seasonings
Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. 🫕✨
Assemble the casserole
In the prepared baking dish, layer in this order:
Half of the cooked pasta
Half of the meat mixture
Half of the pepperoni slices
Half of the sauce
Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Repeat layers: remaining pasta, meat, pepperoni, sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and grated parmesan on top. 🧀
Bake to bubbly perfection