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This filling Meat Lovers Pizza Casserole turns that packed pizza everyone goes crazy for into a warm, cheesy baked meal that'll hit the spot for even the hungriest folks. I came up with this dish when my family wanted pizza but I needed something heartier for a cold weather dinner get-together.
I whipped this casserole up for the first time during a block party when I needed to bring something that could feed lots of people and wouldn't spill during the drive over. It was gone quicker than anything else there, and now folks beg me to bring it to every get-together.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: Gives that hearty meat taste without making everything swim in grease
- Pork sausage: Kicks up the flavor and adds that rich taste that makes the whole dish better
- Chopped pepperoni: Drops little pockets of pizza flavor all through your casserole
- All purpose flour: Thickens everything up so you don't end up with soup instead of casserole
- Italian seasoning: Makes your kitchen smell just like your favorite pizza joint
- Tomato basil pasta sauce: Cuts down your cooking time but still tastes amazing
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates those long, stretchy strands when you grab a bite
- Refrigerated pizza crust dough: Gives you real pizza feel without the hassle of making dough
- Olive oil: Helps turn your crust that beautiful brown color
- Parmesan cheese: Adds that last bit of savory goodness and crispy bits on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Get your oven hot at 425°F and spray your 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This hot oven will make sure your crust gets nice and golden while everything inside bubbles up perfectly.
- Brown The Meat Mixture:
- Grab a big skillet, turn the heat to medium high, and cook your ground beef and sausage until you don't see any pink left. This usually takes around 7 or 8 minutes. Don't forget to drain off the fat so your final dish isn't greasy.
- Add Flavor Builders:
- Toss in your chopped pepperoni, flour, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning with the meat. The flour will help everything thicken up as it cooks, and the pepperoni adds little bursts of pizza flavor throughout.
- Create The Sauce:
- Pour the tomato basil pasta sauce into the pan and let it come to a light boil. This wakes up the flour and gets all the flavors mixing together. Take it off the heat once you see bubbles.
- Layer The Base:
- Dump your meat mix into the baking dish and spread it out flat. Cover it with 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese to make that melty layer that everyone loves.
- Add The Pizza Crust:
- Open up the pizza dough and lay it over the cheese, pulling it gently to reach the edges. This will turn into your crispy top that reminds you of actual pizza crust.
- Finish With Toppings:
- Brush some olive oil on the dough so it'll brown nicely. Sprinkle the rest of your Italian seasoning, the last ½ cup of mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese on top for extra taste and texture.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Pop it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Keep an eye on it toward the end so it doesn't burn.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This waiting period helps everything firm up so your slices look nicer.
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What I love most about this dish is how the top gets those cool air pockets just like a real pizza. The first time I made this for my brother in law who thinks he's a pizza expert, even he had to admit it nailed all the right tastes in a fresh new way.
Storage Solutions
This dish stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days if you store it in a sealed container. When you want to warm it up, the oven works best at 350°F for about 15 minutes if you want to keep the crust crunchy. A microwave works too but your crust will get soft though it'll still taste great. If you need to keep it longer, wrap single servings in foil and plastic wrap and freeze them for quick dinners later on.
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Customizing Your Casserole
The great thing about this meal is how easy it is to switch things up for different tastes and diets. If you want less meat, swap mushrooms for half the beef. Veggie fans can throw in chopped bell peppers, olives, or spinach to the sauce mix. Someone doesn't eat pork? Just use all beef or turkey sausage instead. No matter how you change it, the dish still gives you that warm, comforting feeling.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole goes well with a basic green salad topped with Italian dressing to cut through the heaviness. Garlic bread might seem like too much given the pizza crust top, but somehow it works great for mopping up extra sauce. For casual meals with friends, put out small dishes of extra toppings like banana peppers, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil so everyone can dress up their own piece.
The Pizza Casserole History
Pizza casseroles showed up in American kitchens back in the 50s and 60s when casseroles were super popular and Italian American food was catching on. They mix Old World flavors with New World shortcuts perfectly. This version keeps that tradition alive while using modern conveniences like store-bought dough for today's busy families. The dish captures the heart of traditional pizza but tweaks it for practical home cooking.
Common Questions
- → Can I use different types of meat?
Sure thing! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even meatless alternatives if you want something different.
- → Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
You bet! Throw in some chopped peppers, mushrooms, or onions to add more flavor and crunch.
- → How can I make the crust crispier?
For extra crunch, pop the pizza dough in the oven on a baking sheet for a few minutes before you put it on top of your casserole.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can put everything together up until the baking part and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.
- → What sides go well with this casserole?
Try serving it with a simple green salad, some buttery garlic bread, or oven-roasted veggies to balance out the rich taste.