Meat Lovers Savory Casserole is a dish that dances on your taste buds, combining layers of savory meats and creamy goodness. Picture this: tender beef, succulent sausage, and crispy bacon all nestled in a blanket of cheesy delight, creating an aroma that lures everyone into the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, it promises satisfaction with every bite. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about this dish long after the last forkful disappears.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Meat Lovers Savory Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavor profile will satisfy even the heartiest appetites
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and bubbling cheese, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate your favorite meats and veggies
I remember the first time I made this casserole; my friends devoured it faster than I could take a picture. Their delighted faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: About one pound of 80/20 ground beef works best for flavor without excess grease.
- Sausage: Choose your favorite type; Italian sausage adds a nice kick.
- Bacon: Use thick-sliced bacon for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Onions: A medium onion diced finely brings sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced finely elevate the savory notes of the dish.
- Pasta: Any short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully.
- Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella gives that gooey texture we all love.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth; choose low-fat if you prefer.
- Green Bell Pepper: Diced green pepper adds freshness and color.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes bring everything together harmoniously.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients together on your countertop. This makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable as you dive into preparation.
Sauté the Meats and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside but keep some grease in the pan for flavor.
Add the Ground Meats
In the same skillet, brown ground beef and sausage until no longer pink. Drain excess fat before adding onions and garlic for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
Mix in Pasta and Sauce
Stir in cooked pasta along with cream of mushroom soup. Mix well to coat everything evenly while adding bell peppers for crunch.
Add Cheese Galore
Remove from heat and fold in half of your cheese blend while reserving some for topping. This creates a melty center that will make your heart sing.
Bake to Perfection
Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoy this Meat Lovers Savory Casserole hot out of the oven—trust me; every cheesy bite will leave you wanting more! For more inspiration, check out this more dinner ideas recipe.
You Must Know
- The Meat Lovers Savory Casserole is a hearty dish that satisfies cravings
- Layered flavors and textures create an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
- Feel free to mix in your favorite meats for a unique twist every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the Meat Lovers Savory Casserole shine, start by browning your meat first. While that sizzles, prep your vegetables, then layer everything in a baking dish before adding your creamy sauce.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out meats based on what you have available or your personal preferences. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results with your Meat Lovers Savory Casserole, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before cooking
- This allows even cooking and a better blend of flavors
- Also, don’t skip the cheese topping; it adds a deliciously gooey finish!
Sometimes, I whip up this casserole when friends drop by unexpectedly. Their delighted faces as they dive into seconds never fails to warm my heart.
FAQ
Can I use leftovers for this casserole?
Absolutely! Any leftover meats work wonderfully in this savory dish.
What sides pair well with the casserole?
A crisp salad or garlic bread complements the Meat Lovers Savory Casserole perfectly.
How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Meat Lovers Savory Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Meat Lovers Savory Casserole, a delightful blend of tender ground beef, spicy sausage, and crispy bacon enveloped in creamy cheese and flavorful seasonings. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, ensuring that every bite leaves you craving more. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy hearty appetites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 6 slices thick-sliced bacon
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- Salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside while retaining some grease.
- In the same skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage until no longer pink; drain excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in cooked pasta along with cream of mushroom soup and diced bell peppers until well coated.
- Mix half of the shredded cheese into the meat mixture, reserving the rest for topping.
- Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg