What are those nights? The ones where the kids are buzzing with energy, dinner seems like a mountain to climb, and all you have to do is sit down and watch the children. What do you really want? What is the best pizza Casserole Recipe? What is the smell of baking? What is it like to have a slice of your favorite pizza, all swirled together in an elegantly crafted bowl? What is comforting, cheesy, Is it a staple that my family asks for at least once in the week? Lifesaver on those hectic evenings when a full-blown pizza night feels too ambitious. If you’ve ever loved a good pizza but wished you could get that same flavor profile in another completely different way, here’s the recipe. If you like a different, cozy format, then you’re in for an actual treat with this pizza casserole.
What is Pizza Casserole?
What is a pizza casserole? Think of it as your favorite pizza toppings, all the familiar, delicious flavors you crave, nestled in a small bowl. What do you think of this deliciously soft, slightly chewy, baked goodness? Is it a pasta bake? Sweet spot where comfort food reigns supreme. What is a baked dish? With all the classic pizza essentials: a tastiest, most What are some of the best toppings to serve with tomato sauce? I love this incredibly forgiving machine. Is it the kind of dish that makes everyone happy, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies? Is surprisingly quick to whip up, making it a weeknight champion in my book.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons why my recipe for Pizza Casserole has earned a permanent spot in my blog? Is rotation good for you? First off, the flavor is just out of this world. What is that quintessential Italian pizza taste? All baked into a soft, fluffy texture that’s just pure comfort. What’s a flavor party? Is simplicity a selling point for me? On a busy weeknight, when the thought of making dough from scratch or waiting for pizza to bake is overwhelming, the idea of pizza making becomes inescapable. When you feel like too much, this pizza casserole comes to the rescue. What are the ingredients for this recipe? What are some of the What is the versatility? Can you customize the toppings for your pizza? What your heart desires? Is it good to use up leftover ingredients? What I love most is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My kids devour it, my husband raves about it and it’s always a hit when I bring it to potlucks. What are some of the best recipes to make life easier?
How do you make a delicious pizza casserole?
Quick Overview
What is a pizza casserole? What’s a good pizza base? You’ll mix it up, layer it with your favorite toppings, swirl it around the edges and serve. How do I bake a cake until golden brown and bubbly? Is this easy enough for a beginner cook? I was slaved away in the kitchen for hours. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and sheer comfort it delivers.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
3 cups all-purpose flour. 3 cup s
1 tablespoon of baking powder. 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is 1 teaspoon salt?
1 teaspoon dried oregano per teaspoon.
What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon lemon.
2 large eggs
Is whole milk better than 2%?
1/2 cup unsalted butter (or vegetable oil for a slightly lighter touch)
For the Filling:
2 cups your favorite pizza sauce (store bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)?
1/2 cup mini pepperoni. (or sliced pepperóni)
Sliced mushrooms, diced green peppers, chopped onions – whatever your pizza heart is.
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup melted butter. Add salt to taste.
What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius)? While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to give it a light greasing with butter or cooking spray. This just helps everything release beautifully later on, so you don’t have bits stuck to the pan. When you serve it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, oregano, garlic powder and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. How do I make my batter rise evenly? You’re creating the fluffy base for our pizza casserole here.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re nicely beaten. Then, pour in the milk and the melted butter. Give it a good stir until everything is combined. If you’re using oil instead of butter, just pour that in. It’s a simple wet mixture that will bring our dry ingredients to life.
Step 4: Combine
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or a spatula, mix everything together until it’s *just* combined. It’s really important not to overmix here! A few small lumps are totally fine – in fact, they’re better than overmixing, which can make the final result tough. You want a batter that’s thick but pourable.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While the batter is resting for a moment, let’s get the filling ready. If you’re using extra toppings like veggies, now’s the time to give them a quick chop. Have your pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni ready to go? It makes the assembly process so much smoother.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
What is the best way to spread out the batter in a baking dish? Dollop spoonfuls of pizza sauce over the batter, followed by half of the cheese and all of your favorite toppings. What are some good pepperoni toppings? Then, gently pour the remaining batter over the top, trying to cover as much of the filling as possible. Dollop the rest of the pizza sauce and sprinkle the remaining cheese over everything. What’s the fun part? With a knife or skewer, gently swirl the sauce and cheese into the batter. What makes a delicious bite?
Step 7: Bake
What is the best way to cook a delicious dish in the preheated oven? Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, golden brown around the edges. When the cheese is melted, it will be bubbly. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it’s ready!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This is crucial! It allows it to set up properly, making it much easier to slice. While it’s cooling, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Set aside. Drizzle this fragrant butter mixture over the top of the warm casserole. What is the best flavor for a tea?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Now, slice it into squares or rectangles and serve it up warm. Why does the smell of a cigarette make people rush to the table? What are some of the best pairings for a meal?
What should I serve it with?
I love this pizza casserole. It’s hearty and satisfying. I don’t need much to accompany it. Do love a few things that really round out the meal? I love serving a small slice of bread with fresh fruit for breakfast or brunch. The sweetness of the fruit is a nice contrast to the savory casserole. Sometimes, if we’re feeling fancy, I’ll add a spoonful of salsa on top. What are some of the best kicks to drink? If you’re looking for something more substantial for brunch, a side of crispy bacon or some fried egg would be great. How do you make scrambled eggs? For a dessert-like feel, especially if I’ve made slightly sweeter version with maybe tad more sweetness. I’ll sprinkle the top with powdered sugar or serve it with a berry. If I don’t have enough sugar, I just use more sugar in the batter. What is a compote? For a cozy snack any time of the day, one slice on its own, perhaps with ice cold water. Is milk or iced tea pure bliss? My family often asks for seconds, and it never disappoints!
How do you make a perfect pizza casserole?
I’ve made this pizza casserole more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I think really elevate it. Firstly, when it comes to the batter, don’t be tempted to overmix it. Seriously, a few lumps are your friend! Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to a tough, rubbery texture instead of that wonderfully tender crumb we’re going for. Just stir until the dry and wet ingredients are barely incorporated. When it comes to the filling, feel free to go wild! I’ve tried mini pepperoni, sliced pepperoni, even crumbled Italian sausage, and they’re all delicious. If you’re adding vegetables, make sure they’re finely chopped or pre-cooked if they’re something like mushrooms or onions that release a lot of moisture. Otherwise, they might make the casserole a bit too watery. For the cheese, use a good quality shredded mozzarella; it melts so much better and gives you that signature gooey stretch. When you’re layering, don’t overthink the swirling. A gentle swirl with a knife or a skewer is all you need to create beautiful patterns and distribute the sauce and cheese. It doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic is good! The glaze is optional but highly recommended. That little bit of Garlic Butter on top takes it from great to gourmet. Make sure your butter isn’t piping hot when you mix it with the spices, or it might ‘cook’ the herbs slightly. And finally, let it rest after baking! I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but giving it those 5-10 minutes to set makes a world of difference when you’re slicing and serving. Trust me on this one!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This pizza casserole is fantastic for leftovers, which is great because it rarely all gets eaten in one sitting at my house! For storing, once the casserole has cooled down to room temperature, I like to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day! If you find yourself with an abundance, you can also freeze portions of it. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap individual slices or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few options. For refrigerated portions, I find the best way is to reheat it in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain its texture better than the microwave. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first, then reheat as you would the refrigerated leftovers. You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or skillet on low heat. For the glaze, I usually add it fresh after reheating if I’ve stored it separately, or just accept that it might not be as vibrant after storage.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this pizza casserole is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a culinary hug. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces, makes busy weeknights feel a little less daunting, and tastes like pure comfort. The ease with which it comes together, combined with that irresistible pizza flavor, makes it an absolute winner in my kitchen. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy it as much as my family does. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create something truly delicious and satisfying. If you love this pizza casserole, you might also enjoy my Cheesy Broccoli Bake or my quick and easy Baked Ziti – they’re all in that cozy comfort food category! I can’t wait to hear what you think when you try it. Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out and what amazing toppings you chose!
Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 pound ground beef
- 1 package pizza dough refrigerated
- 1 jar pizza sauce 14.5 ounce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
- 0.5 cup chopped bell pepper
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Press the pizza dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Layer the cooked ground beef, pepperoni, bell pepper, and onion over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Let stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
