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This rich blend of pizza and casserole creates a truly satisfying meat enthusiast's treat. I first whipped this up for a community dinner, and it quickly turned into the dish everyone asks for, mixing the best parts of pizza with that warm, homey casserole feeling. When you taste those flavor layers, it'll remind you of your neighborhood pizza spot but with that special touch only home cooking delivers.
At so many family get-togethers, this dish has become our favorite comfort food. The way cheese stretches into long strings and that amazing smell fills up the kitchen gets everyone hovering around before it's even finished cooking.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef: Go for 85% lean to get great taste without too much fat. Pick meat that's bright red and freshly ground
- Italian sausage: This fresh pork option adds amazing flavor. Pick mild or spicy based on what you like
- Pepperoni: Grab thick-cut, premium slices for better bite and stronger flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: Shred it yourself for the smoothest melting. Skip the pre-packaged stuff for best results
- Pizza sauce: Pick a thick, tomato basil type to get that real pizza joint flavor
Putting It All Together
- Getting The Oven Ready:
- Start by warming your oven to 425°F. The high heat will give you that nice crispy top and perfectly melty cheese. While waiting, coat your 9x13 dish completely with cooking spray, getting the sides too.
- Cooking The Meats:
- Put a big skillet on medium-high heat. Brown your ground beef and sausage together, breaking them into small bits as they cook. Keep going until you don't see any pink, usually about 8-10 minutes. Pour off the extra fat so your dish isn't greasy.
- Adding Extra Goodness:
- Mix in your chopped pepperoni with the cooked meats. Scatter flour and Italian seasoning all over, and keep stirring so nothing clumps. This step makes a rich base that helps your sauce get thicker.
- Making It Saucy:
- Add your tomato basil sauce and mix everything together. Let it bubble gently, helping all those flavors come together while the sauce thickens a bit. This takes around 5 minutes.
- Putting It Together:
- Pour your meat sauce mix into your greased dish and spread it out evenly. Cover it completely with a thick layer of mozzarella. Then carefully roll the pizza dough on top, gently pulling it to reach the edges.
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My nonna always told me to let casseroles sit before serving. This little bit of patience helps everything set up right and stops the filling from running all over your plate.
Tasty Pairings
Serve this filling dish with a fresh Caesar salad and some buttery garlic bread. For a complete dinner, add some roasted veggies on the side. It goes great with a bold glass of red wine that stands up to those rich flavors.
Fun Twists To Try
- Spice things up by tucking sautéed mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, or colorful roasted peppers between your meat and cheese
- Switch up your cheeses with provolone or fontina for new flavors
- Slip some fresh basil leaves under the pizza dough for a fragrant herb kick
Smart Storage
Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered well, for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm single portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep that crust crispy. Try not to use the microwave as it'll make your crust go soft.
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This meaty pizza casserole has become my go-to contribution for group meals, always getting tons of compliments and recipe requests whenever I bring it. Combining three different meats with stretchy cheese and that crisp crust makes a comfort food nobody can resist. It just goes to show that sometimes mixing two favorite foods creates something even tastier than either one alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can this dish be made in advance?
- Make the filling ahead, but don't add the pizza topping until right before baking for best texture.
- → What's a good substitute for the pizza crust?
- Consider crescent roll dough or biscuits if you don't have pizza dough on hand.
- → Can vegetables be included in this bake?
- Sure! Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers make excellent additions.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
- Refrigerate in a covered dish for up to three days, reheating in the oven for crispy results.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
- Freeze without the crust for up to three months. Add fresh dough before baking.