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This rich blend of pizza flavor and casserole comfort makes a filling meal for meat enthusiasts. I first made it for a community dinner, and now it's what everyone asks me to bring. The way it layers tastes reminds me of my neighborhood pizza spot, but with that special touch you only get when cooking at home.
Throughout many family get-togethers, we've come to count on this dish when we need something comforting. The stretchy cheese pulls and kitchen smells have folks hanging around the oven before I can even call them to eat.
Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef: Go with 85% lean for taste without too much fat. Pick meat that's fresh with a nice red color
- Italian sausage: Adds amazing flavor depth. Pick mild or spicy depending on what you like
- Pepperoni: Grab quality, thicker slices for better bite and stronger taste
- Mozzarella cheese: Grate it yourself for the best melting. Skip the pre-packaged stuff
- Pizza sauce: Choose one with tomato and basil for real pizza taste and thicker texture
Making Your Casserole
- Get Your Oven Ready:
- First, warm your oven to 425°F. This hot temperature will give you that crunchy top and perfectly melty cheese. While it heats up, coat your 9x13 dish with cooking spray, getting the sides too.
- Cook The Meats:
- Put a big pan on medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and sausage together, breaking them into tiny bits. Keep cooking until you don't see any pink, about 8-10 minutes. Pour off the extra fat so your dish isn't greasy.
- Add More Flavor:
- Mix in your chopped pepperoni with the cooked meats. Scatter flour and Italian seasoning over everything, and keep stirring so it doesn't clump. This step will thicken your sauce just right.
- Make It Saucy:
- Add the tomato basil sauce and mix it into your meat blend. Let it bubble gently, helping the tastes come together as the sauce gets a bit thicker. This takes around 5 minutes.
- Put It All Together:
- Pour your meat mix into the dish and spread it out flat. Cover it with lots of mozzarella, making sure you can't see the meat. Then unroll the pizza dough on top, gently pulling it to reach all the edges.
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My grandma from Italy always told me to let casseroles sit a bit before cutting in. This waiting time helps everything settle so you won't have runny filling spilling all over your plate.
Ways To Serve It
Dish up this filling casserole with a fresh Caesar salad and some buttery garlic bread. For a complete dinner, add some oven-roasted veggies on the side. A bold red wine works great with all these rich flavors.
Fun Twists To Try
- Jazz it up by tucking in some cooked mushrooms, sweet browned onions, or colorful roasted peppers between the meat and cheese
- Switch up your cheeses with provolone or fontina
- Put some fresh basil under the pizza dough for extra flavor
Storing Leftovers
Store what's left in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. When you want more, heat single portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the top crispy. Try not to use the microwave as it'll make the crust soggy.
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My pizza-meets-casserole creation has turned into my trademark dish for group meals, always getting compliments and folks asking how to make it. The mix of three meats, stretchy cheese, and that crisp crust makes comfort food that brings everyone around the table. It shows how two favorite dishes can come together to make something even tastier.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this casserole early?
- Sure! Prep the meat sauce in advance, but save the crust topping for right before baking to keep it fresh.
- → What could replace pizza dough?
- Try crescent rolls or biscuit dough instead of pizza crust for a new twist.
- → Is adding vegetables fine?
- Absolutely! Mix in cooked mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for more taste and nutrients.
- → How do I store the leftovers?
- Keep them in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the crisp crust.
- → Can I freeze it?
- Yep! Freeze without the crust for up to three months and add fresh dough before baking.