Carnivore Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Intensity: This is a straightforward, one-pan recipe with minimal steps. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and requires only basic cooking skills. The most intensive part is browning the meat, which is a simple task for any home cook.

Ingredients

For the Meat Base:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, removed from casing)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for a classic pizza parlor note)

• 1/4 cup bone broth or water (to keep the meat moist)

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Topping:

• 6 oz (1 full package) pepperoni slices, divided

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish

• Large skillet

• Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole goes into a hot oven for even cooking and perfect browning. While it heats, take a moment to ensure your cream cheese is soft. This will make creating a smooth, lump-free cheese layer much easier.

Step 2: Create the Savory Meat Base
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, begin browning the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. About halfway through the browning process, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and optional oregano. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease if desired, though a little adds flavor. Stir in the bone broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a layer of depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Transfer the cooked and seasoned meat mixture into your 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out into a firm, even layer, pressing it down gently with the back of a spoon or a spatula. This compacted meat layer will act as the foundation of your casserole. Take half of your pepperoni slices and arrange them in a single layer over the meat base. This embeds a surprise layer of pepperoni flavor right into the heart of the dish.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous. A few lumps of cream cheese are okay, but a smooth blend is the goal. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and all of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all the cheese is incorporated into the creamy base.

Step 5: Combine and Top
Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the meat and pepperoni base. Use a spatula to spread it into every corner, ensuring a uniform layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Now, artfully arrange the remaining half of the pepperoni slices over the entire surface. For a final flavor boost, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You are looking for the edges to be bubbly and the top to be a beautiful, golden brown. The pepperoni will have curled and crisped around the edges. For an extra-crispy top, you can broil for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This rest period is crucial as it allows the cheesy, liquid layer to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices. Serve hot and enjoy the deep, satisfying flavors of a pizza, reimagined.

Notes & Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Meat Variations: Feel free to use all ground beef or all sausage based on your preference. Ground pork or even ground turkey can also work well.

• Cheese Swaps: Provolone, Asiago, or a Italian cheese blend can be used in place of the cheddar for a different flavor profile.

• Crispy Pepperoni Tip: For an extra-crispy top-layer pepperoni, you can pan-fry half of the slices briefly before placing them on the casserole. This renders out more fat and makes them wonderfully crisp.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a conventional oven until warm throughout.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: 815 kcal

• Total Fat: 68g

• Saturated Fat: 32g

• Protein: 45g

• Total Carbohydrates: 4g

• Dietary Fiber: 0g

• Net Carbohydrates: 4g

• Sugars: 2g

• Cholesterol: 265mg

• Sodium: 1350mg

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.