Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage – Adds rich, savory flavor to the base of your casserole.
- 1 small onion, chopped – Provides a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory elements of the dish with a slight kick.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – For a pop of color and subtle sweetness, any color bell pepper works.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni – Brings that classic pizza flavor with its slightly spicy and salty profile.
- 1 jar (about 14 oz) pizza sauce – Acts as the flavorful base, binding all the pizza elements together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates a gooey, melty topping that’s essential for any pizza-inspired dish.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that contrasts the mozzarella perfectly.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough – These biscuits will bake up golden and fluffy, creating a delicious crust-like topping for the casserole.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Drain the Grease
After the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This helps keep your casserole from being too oily.
Step 4: Add the Pepperoni and Pizza Sauce
Stir in the sliced pepperoni and pizza sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the sausage mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to form the base of your casserole.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the sausage mixture. The combination of these cheeses will melt into a bubbly, golden layer on top.
Step 7: Add the Biscuit Topping
Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces (about 1-inch each) and arrange them evenly over the cheese. These will puff up and become golden brown during baking, creating a delicious crust-like topping.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Helpful Tips
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or extra cheese to make it your own.
- Don’t overfill the dish: Make sure there’s enough room for the biscuits to puff up without overflowing.
- Use pre-cooked sausage: If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked sausage crumbles to cut down on prep time.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Here are 20 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Pizza Casserole, along with insightful answers to help you make the most of this delicious dish!
FAQs for Pizza Casserole
1. Can I use ground beef instead of sausage in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef, turkey, or chicken for sausage. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if using a milder meat.
2. Can I make pizza casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up until the point of adding the biscuit topping. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the biscuit dough and bake when ready.
3. How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy?
To avoid soggy biscuits, make sure to drain excess grease from the sausage mixture and avoid using too much pizza sauce. Also, bake the casserole just until the biscuits are golden and cooked through.
4. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, crescent roll dough can be a great alternative for a lighter and flakier topping. Cut it into small pieces and place it on top before baking.
5. What should I serve with pizza casserole?
Pizza casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with marinara sauce for dipping!
6. Can I freeze leftover pizza casserole?
Yes, pizza casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
7. How should I reheat pizza casserole?
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.
8. Can I add extra toppings like mushrooms or olives?
Absolutely! You can customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, jalapeños, or even more cheese.
9. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or simply using extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
10. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic pizza cheeses, you can use cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
11. What type of pizza sauce should I use?
Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce or make your own. If you like a spicier casserole, opt for a sauce with extra herbs and red pepper flakes.
12. Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use fresh pizza dough. Roll it out, cut it into pieces, and place it on top of the casserole before baking.
13. What’s the best way to ensure the biscuits cook through?
Make sure the biscuits are evenly spaced on top of the casserole and bake until they are golden brown. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover with foil to allow the biscuits to finish cooking without burning.
14. Can I make this pizza casserole low-carb?
To make a low-carb version, skip the biscuit topping and use a cauliflower or zucchini base instead. You can also substitute the sausage with a leaner protein like ground turkey.
15. How can I make this dish spicier?
For added heat, use spicy sausage, add red pepper flakes, or layer in some sliced jalapeños with the pepperoni.
16. What can I do if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
If you don’t have biscuit dough, you can use crescent rolls, pizza dough, or even homemade biscuit dough as a substitute.
17. Can I use leftover pizza or pasta sauce in this recipe?
Yes, leftover pizza or pasta sauce works perfectly. Just make sure you have about 1 jar (14 oz) worth of sauce for the casserole.
18. How can I make the casserole more cheesy?
For extra cheesiness, increase the amount of mozzarella or add an extra layer of cheese between the sausage mixture and biscuit topping.
19. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite pizza veggies like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even roasted eggplant.
20. What’s the best way to store leftover pizza casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage, up to 3 months.
