Deep dish pizza casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of a classic deep-dish pizza in an easy-to-make, layered casserole. With a thick, buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No need to fuss with rolling out pizza dough—this casserole is simple to assemble.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, or extra cheese.
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or family dinners.
- Leftovers Taste Even Better: The flavors meld together beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun twist on traditional pizza that kids will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- Olive oil
For the Filling:
- Ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices (or other preferred toppings)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the Crust:
- Roll out the pizza dough and press it into the bottom and sides of the greased baking dish to create a thick base.
- Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and bake for about 5–7 minutes until slightly set.
- Cook the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pre-baked crust.
- Pour the sausage mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Layer the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, followed by pepperoni slices and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
- Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or provolone cheese for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add jalapeños for heat.
- BBQ Style: Swap the pizza sauce for barbecue sauce and add shredded chicken for a BBQ chicken version.
- Thin Crust Alternative: Use a thinner layer of dough or crescent roll dough for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great. Just roll it out and press it into the baking dish as directed.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. You can also use a deep-dish pie pan for a round version.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara or pizza sauce works well, or you can make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes helps prevent it from becoming too soft once the toppings are added.
What other toppings can I use?
You can add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, ham, bacon, or even pineapple to customize your casserole.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower crust as a substitute.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try cheddar, provolone, gouda, or a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
How do I make this recipe lower in carbs?
Use a low-carb crust alternative, such as almond flour dough, or replace the crust with a layer of sautéed eggplant or zucchini.
Can I cook this in a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking dish?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works well for creating a crispy crust and even baking.
Conclusion
Deep dish pizza casserole is a delicious and easy alternative to traditional pizza, packed with layers of savory flavors and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal with minimal effort
Print
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This deep-dish pizza casserole combines all the flavors of a classic pizza in a cheesy, meaty, and hearty baked dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Press pizza dough into a greased baking dish.
- Layer half of the cheese, followed by the beef mixture, mushrooms, olives, and remaining cheese.
- Top with pepperoni and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Customize toppings to your preference.
- Serve with garlic bread for a full meal.
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