Is this pizza casserole good? What is the one recipe that makes my family happy, especially on a chaotic day? What’s this weeknight? Is it like a warm hug in your mouth? What are some of the best pizzas in casserole form? I remember the first time I whipped this up. My kids, usually picky eaters, took one bite and their eyes lit up. Now, they ask for it constantly! Is it easier than wrestling with pizza dough? What is baking? Isn’t this pizza a staple? What is the best casserole? If you’re looking for something that satisfies your pizza cravings without all the fuss, you have come to the right place. I landed in the right spot. Let’s get cooking!
What is a pizza casserole?
What is pizza casserole? Imagine it as your favorite pizza, but reimagined into a comforting, layered bake that’s incredibly delicious. What is the best way to describe a meal? Is this a deconstructed pizza? The savory meats and veggies, and of course, heaps of gooey, melty cheese – are layered up with some melted cheese. What is a doughy or pasta-like base and baked until golden and bubbly? My version uses a simple, biscuit-like batter that bakes up light and fluffy, soaking up all those air bubbles. What are some of the best pizza juice It’s not quite a traditional layered pasta bake, and it’s definitely not penne pie, but it’ll be delicious. What is the essence of pizza in a way that’s utterly delightful and perfect for sharing. What is the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces around the table every single time?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons why this pizza casserole has earned a permanent spot in my fridge? What is a recipe First off, the flavor is just out of this world. Isn’t it delicious? What is your favorite song and how can you switch it up? ), and that gorgeous, gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese blend. The biscuit topping bakes up slightly crispy on top and wonderfully tender underneath. All those delicious juices. Is it comfort food heaven?
Why is taste important? What makes this pizza casserole so good? I can usually have it prepped and ready for the oven in about 20 minutes, which is a godsend on my stovetop. What is it like to get dinner on the table on a busy weeknight? What are some of the best ingredients for a healthy meal? Is it true that you have most of them in your pantry already? Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Can you swap out meat for chicken? I’ve made it with different cheese blends, and it always turns out great. What I love the most is how forgiving it is. If you’re not a master baker, don’t worry! This recipe is pretty easy to mess up, and it always delivers a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
How do you make a pizza casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make a pizza casserole? We’re essentially layering pizza filling into a baking dish and topping it with whipped cream. How do I make a biscuit-style batter that bakes right along with the filling? You’ll mix up your savory pizza base, pour it into the dish, spoon on your meat and sauce. Dollop the biscuit batter over the top before baking until golden and bubbly. Is it a no-fuss process that yields incredible results, making it perfect for weeknights? What is the best way to feed a crowd?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our tender biscuit topping. Make sure it’s fresh for the best texture!
What is the best way to get a fluffy lift?
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces: This is key for flaky biscuits. Keep it cold until you’re ready to mix.
3/4 cup milk (any kind works): This brings the batter together. I’ve tried almond milk, and it made it even creamier!
For the Filling:
1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference!): What are some good substitutions for Ground Beef or turkey?
1 medium onion, finely chopped: For that essential aromatic base.
What is pizza without garlic?
What is the heart of our pizza sauce? What are the best brands to use for flavor?
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Or a mix of oregano and basil!
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Adjust based on your sausage.
Is it good to ground black pepper?
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic melty cheese that makes everything better!
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty kick.
Optional toppings: What are some of the best toppings for pizza? Pepperoni slices, sliced olives, diced bell peppers – whatever you like!
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)? What is a 9×13 baking dish? Is it necessary to grease a pan? Make sure nothing sticks. When filling a form, getting it done early means you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you whisk leavening agent and salt together? What is important to a consistent rise and flavor in our biscuit topping? What is the best way to make sure there are no pockets of baking powder?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
How do you make the biscuit topping? Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients. I use a pastry blender, two forks, or even my fingertips to make the mixture. I can do this with my fingers. What is coarse crumbs? Then, pour in the milk and stir *just* until it comes together. Overmixing is the enemy of tender biscuits, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. A few little lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 4: Combine
This step is actually for filling! In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with sifting. Is it nicely browned? If you’re using leaner sausage, you might want to drain off some of the grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let that garlic burn!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the olive oil. What are sausage and onions? Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste it and adjust seasonings if needed. If you’re adding extra veggies like peppers or olives, you can stir them in now.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you mix sausage and tomato in a baking dish? Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce. What is the best way to spread biscuit batter evenly over the cheese? Do you need to spread it perfectly? The bits will puff up and connect as they bake, creating a wonderful, rustic topping. If you want, you can gently swirl a little extra sauce or cheese into the batter for visual appeal. Is it optional?
Step 7: Bake
How do you put a baking dish in the preheated oven? Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through. When filling is poured, it is bubbling hot around the edges. Can you test the biscuits by inserting a toothpick into the center? I always give mine extra time if the topping looks a bit pale, just to be sure.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once it’s out of the oven, let the pizza casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. What are some tips for cutting into a filling? If you’re using a glaze (which I highly recommend! ), now’s the time to drizzle it over the hot casserole. A simple mixture of melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder, or even just like that. What is the best way to finish a dish?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What’s the best part? Cut the pizza casserole into large squares and serve it hot. Why does the aroma make your mouth water? Is it hearty, satisfying, and just plain delicious?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best recipes for pizza casserole? How do you make a meal complete, depending on the occasion? What are some good side salads to serve on a weeknight? It adds a nice freshness to balance out the richness of the casserole. If we’re having it for brunch, I like to serve it with some fresh fruit, maybe a bowl of berries or some ice cream. What are some melon slices? What are some good side dishes to serve with Garlic Bread?
When we have guests over and want something a bit more substantial, I’ll often serve it alongside. Some roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus. My kids love it with some crispy tater tots or just a glass of milk. My mom used to make a similar baked dish when I was growing up, and she’d always serve it with Ice Cream or whipped cream. I have never had that. What are some good side dishes to serve with ranch dressing? What’s that kind of comforting, homey meal that just feels good to eat? Is it so adaptable that you can really tailor it to whatever you’re in the mood for or what you have on your mind?
How do I make a perfect pizza casserole?
After making this pizza casserole countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make ..a good pizza. For the filling, make sure to really brown your Italian sausage well. This develops a lot of flavor that carries through the whole dish. If you’re not a fan of sausage, Ground Beef works great too, just make sure to drain any excess fat. What is grease after browning? When you’re adding crushed tomatoes, I like to use a good quality brand that’s not too watery. If your sauce seems a bit thin, you can let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce and thicken up. Before you add the cheese.
For the biscuit topping, the key to tenderness is not over mixing. What is the best way to make dough? Why is cold butter important for flaky texture? I usually cut my butter into cubes and then pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before I put it on the stove. Start mixing the dry ingredients. When you’re dropping the batter onto the casserole, don’t worry about making it perfectly even or even. Is every inch covered? The batter puffs up as it bakes, and those little gaps let the cheesy, saucy goodness bubble up. What is its charm?
If you want to customize the swirl, I sometimes reserve a small amount of the tomato sauce and drizzle it over the biscuit batter just before baking, then swirl it gently with a knife. This gives it a nice visual marbled effect. I’ve also experimented with different cheese combinations – a bit of cheddar with the mozzarella adds a nice tang. For ingredient swaps, if you don’t have Italian sausage, a good quality ground beef or even ground turkey will work. Just adjust the seasonings accordingly. For the vegetables, finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the onions add a nice boost of flavor and texture.
When it comes to baking, keep an eye on the topping. If it’s browning too quickly on top but the center isn’t cooked through, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This ensures the biscuits are cooked all the way without burning the top. And remember that resting period after baking? It’s crucial! It allows the casserole to set up so you can get nice, clean slices, and it’s not scalding hot when you serve it.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This pizza casserole is honestly delicious leftover, which is always a win in my book! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil if I’m not transferring it. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making it taste even better the next day!
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few ways to go. For a single serving, I love popping a slice in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you want to reheat a larger portion, the oven is your best friend. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and bubbly. Covering it loosely with foil will help prevent the topping from drying out. I find that reheating it this way brings back that wonderful baked texture really nicely. I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours, as per food safety guidelines.
If you’re thinking about freezing this pizza casserole, it freezes beautifully! Make sure it’s completely cooled. You can freeze the entire casserole dish (if it’s freezer-safe) or portion it out into individual freezer-safe containers. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed. If you plan to add a glaze after reheating, it’s best to do so when it’s fresh out of the oven, whether it’s just been reheated or cooked from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my ultimate comfort food, this incredible pizza casserole! It’s more than just a meal; it’s a little slice of happiness that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. The way the tender biscuit topping bakes up golden and absorbs all those savory tomato and cheese flavors is just divine. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel warm and welcomed, and it’s so satisfying to make. I really hope you give this a try because I promise, it’s a keeper!
If you loved this pizza casserole, you might also enjoy my “One-Pot Pasta Bake” or my “Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole” – they’re all about bringing that delicious comfort food magic to your table with minimal fuss. Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and how it turns out for your family! I always love hearing about your kitchen adventures and any fun twists you might have added. Happy baking, everyone!
pizza casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.45 pound ground Italian sausage
- 0.23 pound pepperoni chopped
- 0.4 ounce onion chopped
- 0.1 ounce garlic minced
- 0.07 pound green bell pepper chopped
- 0.07 pound red bell pepper chopped
- 0.02 pound mushrooms sliced
- 0.28 pound ricotta cheese
- 0.2 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.1 pound grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.29 ounce pizza sauce
- 0.002 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.001 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.001 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.001 teaspoon salt
- 0.001 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage and pepperoni over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the pizza sauce over the meat and vegetable layer.
- Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pizza sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
