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This hearty dish blends pizza and casserole into one meat-packed delight. I whipped this up for a potluck once, and now everyone asks me to make it again and again. It's got all the good stuff you'd find at your favorite pizza place but feels like a warm homecooked meal that hits the spot just right.
Every time our family gets together, this casserole shows up on the table. There's something about those stretchy cheese pulls and the smell that fills up the kitchen - folks start hanging around before it's even out of the oven.
Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef: Go for 85% lean to get good flavor without swimming in grease. You want that fresh, bright red stuff
- Italian sausage: This adds so much flavor depth. Pick hot or mild based on what you like
- Pepperoni: Grab the thick-cut, good quality kind for better bite and richer taste
- Mozzarella cheese: Shred it yourself for the best melt. The pre-bagged stuff doesn't melt nearly as well
- Pizza sauce: Find one with tomato and basil that's nice and thick for that real pizza taste
Putting Your Dish Together
- Getting The Oven Ready:
- First, crank your oven to 425°F. We need it hot to get that crust nice and crispy and melt that cheese just right. While it's heating up, give your 9x13 dish a good spray with cooking spray, making sure to get the sides too.
- Cooking The Meat:
- Grab a big skillet and put it over medium-high heat. Throw in your ground beef and sausage, breaking it all up as it cooks. Keep at it until you don't see any pink, probably about 8-10 minutes. Then drain off the extra fat so your casserole doesn't turn out greasy.
- Adding More Goodness:
- Toss in your chopped pepperoni with the cooked meat. Sprinkle the flour and Italian seasoning all over, and keep stirring so nothing clumps up. This step makes a rich base that'll thicken your sauce just right.
- Making It Saucy:
- Now pour in that tomato basil sauce and mix everything together. Let it come to a gentle bubble and cook for about 5 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to get friendly with each other and thickens things up a bit.
- Putting It All Together:
- Pour your meat sauce into the baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the whole thing with a thick layer of mozzarella. Then carefully unroll your pizza dough on top, gently pulling it to reach the edges.
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My grandma from Italy always made us wait before cutting into any casserole. That little bit of patience means your slices won't fall apart and you won't end up with a puddle on your plate.
What To Serve On The Side
Pair this filling dish with a crunchy Caesar salad and some warm garlic bread. Want to make it a full dinner? Add some roasted veggies on the side. And if you're feeling fancy, a glass of bold red wine goes perfectly with all these rich flavors.
Switch It Up
- Make it your own by adding some cooked mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, or colorful roasted peppers between the meat and cheese
- Play around with different cheeses like provolone or fontina
- Slip some fresh basil leaves under the pizza dough for a burst of herb flavor
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Store what's left in the fridge, covered well, for up to 4 days. When you want more, heat single portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep that crust crispy. Try not to use the microwave - it'll make your crust all soggy.
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This loaded pizza casserole has become my go-to dish for get-togethers, and I can't count how many times people have asked me for the recipe. Something magic happens when you mix three kinds of meat with melty cheese and a crispy crust. It's the kind of food that brings folks around the table and proves that sometimes two good things combined make something even better.
Common Questions
- → Is it possible to prep in advance?
- You can make the meat sauce ahead, but add the crust when you’re ready to bake for best results.
- → What else works instead of pizza dough?
- Crescent roll or biscuit dough is a great swap for the crust.
- → Can vegetables be included in this meal?
- Go for it! Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.
- → How do I store uneaten portions?
- Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Use the oven to reheat and bring back the crust’s crispiness.
- → Is freezing an option?
- Yes, but skip the crust when freezing. Add a fresh one and bake when you’re ready.