Deep Dish Pizza Casserole: A Cheesy, Family-Friendly Dinner
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips
- Storage & Make-Ahead
- Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Health Benefits
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Craving the bold flavors of a deep dish pizza without the hassle? This Deep Dish Pizza Casserole is your answer! Packed with savory Italian sausage, vibrant veggies, and gooey mozzarella, all nestled in a golden crust, this one-pan dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Using store-bought or homemade pizza dough, it’s ready in under an hour and customizable to your taste. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz) or homemade pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce or marinara
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Optional Toppings: Sliced mushrooms, fresh basil, crushed red pepper, or pepperoni
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a deep round baking dish or an 8-inch cake pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Veggies
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage (or ground beef) and diced onion. Cook, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked (about 7–8 minutes).
- Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Stir in chopped bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Press the dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared baking dish to form a deep crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread 1 ½ cups pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Add the cooked sausage and onion mixture, followed by bell peppers, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and any optional toppings.
- Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- If the crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to set the layers.
- Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, or a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.
- Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the crust or cheese browns too fast, cover with foil during the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
- Crispy Bottom Crust: Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes at 400°F before adding toppings for extra crispiness.
- Avoid Greasiness: Drain the sausage or beef thoroughly after cooking.
- Even Cooking: Chop veggies into uniform sizes for consistent texture.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain texture.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Freeze: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
Based on 4 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep with store-bought dough, ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or jalapeños.
- Family-Friendly: A cheesy, hearty dish that even picky eaters will love.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy!
Health Benefits
- Protein-Packed: Sausage or beef provides a hearty dose of protein.
- Veggie Boost: Bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
- Balanced Meal: Pairs well with a side salad for a complete, nutritious dinner.
Serving Suggestions
- With Sides: Serve with a Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted zucchini.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer extra marinara or ranch for dipping.
- Party Style: Slice into smaller pieces for a game-day or party appetizer.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based meat crumbles.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper, jalapeños, or spicy sausage.
- Cheese Lover’s: Mix in cheddar, provolone, or parmesan with the mozzarella.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a celiac-friendly version.
FAQs
- Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade dough works great; ensure it’s rolled out to fit the pan. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Replace sausage with veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based protein. - What if I don’t have a deep dish pan?
Use a 9×9-inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet for similar results. - Can I use different meats?
Yes, try pepperoni, ground turkey, or chicken sausage. - How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes and drain meat well to reduce moisture. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven. - What other toppings can I add?
Try spinach, artichokes, pepperoni, or roasted garlic for variety. - Can I use store-bought marinara?
Yes, any good-quality pizza or marinara sauce works perfectly. - How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to keep the crust crispy. - Can I make it in advance?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Conclusion
This Deep Dish Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza with the ease of a one-pan meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a slice of pizza perfection tonight!
Love this recipe? Share it with friends and let us know your favorite toppings in the comments below!
