Pizza Casserole the Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup!
Ever get that craving for pizza but can’t be arsed to make the dough? Oh my gosh, I so get it! This pizza casserole recipe is a total game changer.
Think all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza but in an easy, comforting casserole form. It's the ultimate comfort food casserole recipes hack!
Why You'll Love This Easy Pizza Bake Recipe
This pizza casserole is like lasagna's cool cousin. It's inspired by a classic pizza but without the fuss. Originating from a desire for easy, family friendly meals, it's proper American comfort food.
This is also perfect Dinner For Two Low Carb or as a Family friendly pizza bake option with the right alterations.
This recipe is dead easy, takes about an hour from start to finish, and feeds 6-8 hungry folks.
Bangin' Benefits of This Pizza Mashup
Honestly, who doesn't love pizza? This version delivers all the flavour while being surprisingly customizable. It's a good source of protein, thanks to the sausage and cheese.
Plus, it's a brilliant way to sneak in some extra veggies. Serve it on a casual weeknight, or take it to a potluck, and watch it disappear.
Perfect for a weeknight pizza bake ! This isn't just any recipe, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and one of the greatest Low Carb Easy Meals Dinners , if you swap a few ingredients.
I even made it a Keto Italian Dishes once.
Get Ready to Assemble Your Masterpiece!
So, you’re probably thinking what makes this so special? Well, first, it doesn’t need any mad skills to prep. Secondly, it's incredibly versatile! Swap out the toppings, change the meat, whatever floats your boat!
Let's get cracking and check out the ingredients you’ll need to make this Quick pizza casserole magic happen.
Ingredients & Equipment for Quick pizza casserole
Alright, let's chat about what you'll need for this epic Pizza Casserole . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. Even if you're a bit of a butterfingers in the kitchen, you got this.
No stress!
Main Ingredients
Here's the lowdown on the key players in our culinary masterpiece.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Go for extra virgin if you're feeling fancy.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup (150g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Quality is important here, it makes a big difference.
- Tomato sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g).
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). If you like a bit of heat.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon .
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: 1 (16 ounce) can (454g). Or puff pastry.
- Italian sausage: 1 pound (454g), cooked and crumbled.
- Pepperoni: 1 cup sliced (100g).
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups shredded (200g).
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated (50g).
- Optional toppings: Mushrooms, peppers, olives, whatever floats your boat!
Seasoning Notes for a Family friendly pizza bake
Oregano and basil are the heart of that classic Italian flavour. Don't skip them! Red pepper flakes add a lovely kick if you're into that.
A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You know, like Nonna used to make! if you want to create some Keto Italian Dishes , don't add sugar.
No oregano? Marjoram can pinch hit. Dried parsley also works in a pinch. If you're after some Comfort food casserole recipes try adding some paprika or garlic powder to make it even more flavorful.
Equipment Needed to start an Easy Pizza Bake Recipe
Keep it simple, yeah?
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Don't have a 9x13? A round casserole dish works too. Or even a deep pie dish. Just adjust the baking time a tad.
A wooden spoon can easily sub for fancy spatulas. This Healthy Pizza Bake will become a tradition.
Alright, let's get this pizza casserole cracking! Forget ordering takeout. This is way more fun. Plus, it's proper comfort food.
Let's Make a Pizza Casserole!
Seriously, who doesn't love pizza ? And who doesn't love an easy pizza bake recipe ? So, I'm bringing you the best of both worlds.
A family friendly pizza bake that's also a pizza lasagna recipe . This recipe is all about big flavours. It has easy techniques, and pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
It’s a "banger," as Jamie Oliver would say!
This Pizza Casserole takes all the best parts of pizza. The gooey cheese, savoury sauce, and your favourite toppings. It layers them into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole.
Forget fiddly pizza dough! This Quick pizza casserole uses biscuit dough. Or even puff pastry for a quick and satisfying base.
It’s perfect for weeknight pizza bake , potlucks, or when you're just craving a taste of Italy.
This recipe also works as Dinner For Two Low Carb . Making it a viable choice for a Healthy Pizza Bake or Low Carb Easy Meals Dinners
The Deets: How to Prep Like a Pro
Time is of the essence, yeah? So, let's get organized first. This is the essential "mise en place."
- Gather Everything . Grab all your ingredients and equipment before you start.
- Chop Smart . Chop your onion and mince your garlic ahead of time.
- Sausage Sorted . Cook and crumble your Italian sausage beforehand. This keto Italian dishes are also really nice when everything is prepped.
Safety First : Don't be a chump! Always wash your hands before cooking. And be careful when handling hot pans.
Easy Peasy step-by-step
Here’s how to make this comfort food casserole recipes .
- Sauce It Up : Sauté 1 cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp olive oil. Then add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 15 oz tomato sauce. Next, add 1 tsp oregano, 0.5 tsp basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Add 1 tsp of sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes .
- Oven Ready : Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
- Biscuit Base : Flatten each biscuit slightly from 16 oz can. Arrange them to cover the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer It On : Spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer with half of the cooked 1 lb sausage, 1 cup pepperoni, 2 cups mozzarella, and 0.5 cup Parmesan. Repeat.
- Bake Time : Bake for 35- 40 minutes . The crust should be golden. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve : Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes. Then, cut and serve!
Pro Tips and Sneaky Tricks
- Drain the Grease : Honestly, nobody wants a greasy casserole. Drain the sausage after cooking!
- Cheese is Key : Use a good quality mozzarella. Part skim is a good balance of flavour and melt.
- Don't Overbake : Overbaking will dry it out. Keep an eye on it and pull it out when the crust is golden.
Recipe Notes for Your Epic Pizza Casserole
Alright, mates, so you're about to whip up this killer pizza casserole . Before you get cracking, let’s chat about a few things to make sure it turns out absolutely perfect.
It's not just an easy pizza bake recipe , it's your easy pizza bake recipe, make it special!
Serving Suggestions: Get Ready to Plate Like a Pro!
This isn’t just about chucking food on a plate. Presentation matters, yeah? Imagine serving this family friendly pizza bake at your next get-together.
A simple green salad with a zingy Italian dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. Or, how about some proper garlic bread to mop up all that delicious sauce? Chef's kiss ! For drinks, a crisp Pinot Grigio is spot on.
Honestly, it adds a bit of je ne sais quoi . I remember one time I served it with some sparkling apple juice for the kids, instant hit!
Storing Your Quick Pizza Casserole : Making it Last!
Right, so you've got leftovers. (If you do, that is!) Pop the cooled pizza casserole into an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to three days.
Want to freeze it? Cut it into individual portions first. Wrap them tightly in cling film, then foil. It’ll keep for up to two months.
To reheat from frozen, defrost it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through about 20- 25 minutes.
Don't microwave it unless you fancy soggy pizza. No one wants that, do they?
Variations: Spice it Up (or Tone it Down)
Fancy a change? This comfort food casserole recipe is mega versatile. For a vegetarian pizza casserole , swap out the sausage and pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
Honestly, it’s lush. Trying to keep it low carb easy meals dinners ? Use a keto friendly cauliflower crust instead of biscuits or puff pastry, and load up on those keto Italian dishes .
Remember to adjust baking times accordingly, yeah? Plus, It’s also great for a dinner for two low carb .
Nutrition Basics: The Down Low on the Goodness
Okay, let's be real, this pizza casserole isn't exactly a health food. But, it’s got protein from the sausage and cheese, and some vitamins from the tomatoes.
It’s all about balance, innit? Estimated calories are around 450-550 per serving, but that’ll vary depending on what you chuck in.
Just enjoy it in moderation, and maybe go for a healthy pizza bake with lean sausage and part skim mozzarella next time.
Give it a whirl, and don't be afraid to make it your own pizza lasagna recipe . This weeknight pizza bake is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza casserole ahead of time? I'm all about that meal prep life!
Absolutely! You can assemble the pizza casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it as prepping your masterpiece like a true artist, ready to unveil it later!
My biscuit dough always ends up soggy. Any tips for preventing a soggy pizza casserole?
Ah, the dreaded soggy bottom! This is a common problem, a little like a Meltdown! To avoid it, try blind baking the biscuit dough or puff pastry base for about 10 minutes before adding the toppings. This will give it a head start and prevent it from getting too soggy.
Also, be sure to drain any excess grease from the cooked sausage to keep things nice and dry.
What are some fun variations I can try with my pizza casserole? I want to spice things up!
Get creative, mate! How about a vegetarian version with mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach? Or go spicy with some chorizo and jalapeños it's all up to you! You could even try a Hawaiian pizza casserole with ham and pineapple, if you're brave enough to face the pineapple-on-pizza debate.
The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
How long does leftover pizza casserole last, and what's the best way to store it? I always make too much!
Leftover pizza casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or re-bake the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will prevent it from getting too soggy.
Is pizza casserole healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, but this looks so good!
Pizza casserole is definitely a comfort food, not a health food per se, but there are ways to make it a bit lighter. Use lean Italian sausage or ground turkey, part skim mozzarella, and load up on veggies. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and biscuit/pastry, but maybe the latter is better not to overdo!
Can I freeze this pizza casserole?
Yes, you can definitely freeze pizza casserole! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a bit more time if needed to ensure it's heated through.
Pizza Casserole The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
