Description
This Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie combines all the flavors of a classic pizza in a comforting casserole form. With layers of savory meat, gooey cheese, and a golden crust, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) jar pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Crust:
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, then stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer briefly and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Casserole: Press the dough into a greased pie dish. Spread the meat mixture over the dough. Top with cheeses, pepperoni, and olives. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Let the casserole rest, then garnish with basil or parsley. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat as a substitute.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- This dish is a great make-ahead meal—assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
