Pin it
This dish blends the best parts of pizza and casserole into one meat-packed treat. I first made it for a potluck and now everyone asks me to bring it again and again. It's got all those pizza flavors we crave but feels like good old home cooking. When I take a bite, it reminds me of my favorite pizza place but with that special homemade touch.
Throughout many family get-togethers, this has become our favorite comfort food. The way the cheese stretches into long strings and the smell fills up the house always gets everyone rushing to the kitchen before I can even pull it from the oven.
Must-Have Ingredient Guide
- Ground beef: Go for 85% lean to get great taste without too much fat. Find fresh meat with a nice bright color
- Italian sausage: This adds amazing flavor depth. You can pick mild or spicy based on what you like
- Pepperoni: Try to get thick-cut, good quality slices for better bite and richer flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: Shred it yourself for the smoothest melting. The pre-packaged stuff doesn't melt as nicely
- Pizza sauce: Pick one with tomato and basil for that real pizza taste and thicker texture
Putting Your Casserole Together
- Getting The Oven Ready:
- Start by heating your oven to 425°F. This high heat will give you that crispy crust and perfectly melty cheese. While it's warming up, grab your 9x13 dish and coat it well with cooking spray, making sure to get the sides too.
- Cooking The Meat:
- Put a large skillet on medium-high heat. Brown your ground beef and sausage together, breaking it up as it cooks. Keep going until you don't see any pink, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Then drain off the extra fat so your casserole won't turn out greasy.
- Adding Extra Flavor:
- Toss your chopped pepperoni into the meat mix. Sprinkle flour and Italian seasoning over everything, and keep stirring so it doesn't clump up. This step makes a rich base that helps thicken your sauce just right.
- Making The Sauce:
- Now pour in the tomato basil sauce and mix it with your seasoned meat. Let it come to a gentle bubble, giving the flavors time to blend and the sauce time to thicken a bit. This takes around 5 minutes.
- Putting It All Together:
- Pour your meat sauce into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Cover it completely with a thick layer of mozzarella. Then carefully roll out the pizza dough on top, gently pulling it to reach all the edges.
Pin it
My grandma from Italy always told me to let casseroles sit before serving. Being patient lets everything set up properly and keeps your serving from turning into a runny mess on the plate.
Ways To Serve It
This filling dish goes great with a crunchy Caesar salad and some warm garlic bread. For a complete dinner, add some roasted veggies on the side. If you want to get fancy, a glass of bold red wine really brings out all the rich flavors.
Fun Twists To Try
- Spice things up by adding cooked mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, or colorful roasted peppers between your meat and cheese
- Switch up your cheeses with provolone or fontina for new flavor combos
- Put some fresh basil under the pizza dough for a burst of garden flavor
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftovers in the fridge with a cover for up to 4 days. When you want more, heat single portions in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to keep that crust crispy. Try not to use the microwave if you can help it - it'll make your crust get soggy.
Pin it
This pizza casserole has become my go-to dish for gatherings, always getting tons of compliments and folks asking how I made it. The mix of three meats, stretchy cheese, and that crispy top creates a comfort food that nobody can turn down. It shows how combining two things we already love can make something even more amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Sure, prep the meat layer early. Just wait on the top crust until you're ready to bake so it stays fresh and crispy.
- → What are some swaps for pizza dough?
- Crescent or biscuit dough works just as well if you don't have pizza dough on hand.
- → What's a good way to add veggies?
- Toss in sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms with the meat mixture for more flavor and nutrients.
- → How do I store the leftovers?
- Keep them in the fridge (covered) for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust nice and crisp.
- → Can this be frozen?
- Yes, but freeze it before adding the crust. The dough is best when fresh right before baking.