Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Bake is a hearty, indulgent dish designed for those evenings when only serious comfort food will do. It brings together three beloved meats, a rich tomato base, and generous layers of melted cheese, all baked into a deep, satisfying casserole. What I enjoy most about this recipe is how it feels like a cross between a classic pasta bake and a meat-lover’s pizza, yet it is served effortlessly with a spoon. I tested this dish when cooking for a group, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. The flavors deepen as it bakes, and every scoop delivers bold seasoning and creamy texture. It is ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, as it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
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Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Bake for the Ultimate Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty, cheesy deep-dish bake loaded with seasoned ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and peppers, baked together in a rich tomato sauce for a bold, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 225 g beef sausage, sliced
- 100 g beef pepperoni slices
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (480 ml)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (220 g)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (55 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, ground beef, and sausage; cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Drain excess fat if needed and stir in marinara sauce.
- Transfer mixture to a deep baking dish.
- Layer pepperoni evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use beef pepperoni to keep the dish pork-free.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Add crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the bake, adding richness and structure while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Italian sausage
Italian sausage introduces seasoning and spice, giving the dish depth and a slightly smoky note.
Pepperoni slices
Pepperoni adds bold, savory intensity and a familiar pizza-inspired flavor that ties the dish together.
Pasta
Short pasta such as penne or rotini holds the sauce well and provides substance to the bake.
Marinara sauce
Marinara sauce brings acidity and sweetness, balancing the richness of the meats and cheese.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly and creates the signature stretchy, cheesy finish.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar adds sharpness and complexity, preventing the dish from tasting flat.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and aromatic depth once softened and cooked.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory elements and strengthens the overall flavor profile.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing and helps develop flavor during cooking.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning reinforces the pizza-style character of the dish.
Salt and black pepper
Basic seasoning ensures the flavors remain balanced and defined.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
Stir in the marinara sauce and allow the mixture to simmer for five minutes. Add the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated. Transfer half of the mixture into a greased deep baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then layer with half of the pepperoni. Repeat with the remaining mixture, cheese, and pepperoni.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results..
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through. Add a small splash of sauce if needed to restore moisture.
Variations and Customizations
This Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Bake is highly adaptable. For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. I have also substituted part of the marinara with pizza sauce for a stronger, familiar flavor profile.
Vegetables can be added for balance. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives work particularly well and blend seamlessly with the meats. If you prefer a creamier texture, stirring a small amount of ricotta into the pasta mixture before baking creates a softer, richer interior.
For a lower-carb option, replace the pasta with roasted cauliflower or zucchini slices. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or Monterey Jack to tailor the flavor to your preference.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 |
| Protein (g) | 38 |
| Carbs (g) | 42 |
| Fat (g) | 40 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 17 |
| Fiber (g) | 4 |
| Sugar (g) | 7 |
| Sodium (mg) | 1150 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Brown meat thoroughly
Proper browning builds deeper flavor and prevents excess grease.
Undercook pasta slightly
This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft during baking.
Rest before serving
Allowing the bake to sit helps it hold together when sliced.
Use a deep dish
A deeper dish ensures even layers and prevents bubbling over.
FAQs
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to one day before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What pasta works best?
Short, ridged pasta shapes hold the sauce and meat most effectively.
Can I reduce the grease?
Drain excess fat from the meat before adding the sauce.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors make it popular with children.
Can I use only one type of meat?
Yes, you can use just beef or sausage if preferred.
Conclusion
Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Bake is a bold, filling dish that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
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