Pizza Casserole 20 the Cheesy Comeback

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave pizza without the faff of making a base? You know, the "hangry" feeling kicking in! Our Pizza Casserole Recipe in 2025 is your cheesy, saucy savior.

It's like a big hug in food form, packed with that classic pizza flavor.

Brief Overview

This pizza casserole recipe takes inspiration from Italian American comfort food. It's a super easy casserole recipe clocking in at around an hour, prep to plate.

The pizza bake recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner ideas .

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best bit is how budget friendly this is! Plus, it's a brilliant way to sneak in some extra veggies.

This comfort food casserole is guaranteed to be a hit, even with picky eaters.

Ready to ditch the delivery menus? Let's dive into the ingredients for this cheesy masterpiece!

Ingredients for Your Pizza Casserole

You'll need a pound of Italian sausage casserole , some crushed tomatoes , and of course, plenty of shredded mozzarella .

Think of this as your pizza starting lineup. Get ready to learn how to make pizza casserole, the easy way.

Don't forget your favorite toppings, too!.

First, let's focus on the base. You'll need Italian sausage, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Also, grab some dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you fancy a bit of a kick), salt and pepper.

Next, for the "crust", you will need a package of refrigerated biscuit dough (the flaky kind is divine) Or pizza dough.

And finally, for the cheese & toppings, you will need shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Pizza Party Started!

So, you wanna dive into this Pizza Casserole Recipe in 2025 ? Ace! Don’t worry, it's easier than assembling flat pack furniture.

We'll break down all the goodies you need to whip up this epic comfort food casserole . Think of this as a cheesy hug on a plate.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Awesome

• Italian sausage : 1 pound (450g) , removed from casings. Go mild or spicy; your call. I usually go for spicy. Honestly, a little kick makes everything better! But remember, quality matters. Look for sausage with a good pork-to-fat ratio. This gives the best flavor.
• Onion : 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup ).
• Garlic : 2 cloves, minced.
• Crushed Tomatoes : 1 (28 ounce/794g) can. Oh my gosh, the aroma!
• Tomato Sauce : 1 (15 ounce/425g) can.
• Dried Oregano : 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil : 1/2 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes : 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended if you want to add some kick).
• Salt and Pepper : To taste.
• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough : 1 package (10-12 ounces/280-340g) , the flaky kind rocks. You can sub with pizza dough.
• Shredded Mozzarella : 3 cups (300g) , divided. You know, good quality mozzarella melts like a dream.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese : 1/2 cup (50g) .
• Pizza Toppings : 1-2 cups . Get creative! Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, cooked ham go wild! Remember when I tried pineapple on a pizza bake recipe ? My family still hasn't forgiven me.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You!

Oregano and basil are your Italian go-to's here. They are essential for that classic pizza flavour. Red pepper flakes? Boost them if you are daring.

Want a deeper flavour? A pinch of smoked paprika works wonders. For a twist, try a dash of fennel seeds.

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this easy casserole recipes . I promise.

• Large Skillet or Dutch oven .
• 9x13 inch Baking dish .
• Mixing bowl .
• Measuring cups and spoons .

Right, this pizza casserole is a great way to make a family dinner ideas , or get rid of leftovers.

Now, let's get cooking! And remember to have fun. Cooking should be enjoyable!

Pizza Casserole 2.0: Dinner is Sorted!

Right, let's talk about Pizza Casserole . Not just any pizza casserole , but the Pizza Casserole Recipe in 2025 version.

This is proper comfort food casserole material. We're talking easy casserole recipes that even a clueless cook like my brother could manage.

Forget ordering in! This is faster and way more satisfying. Trust me. It's a great way to get the kids involved for a family dinner ideas without breaking the bank.

A tasty budget friendly meals , for real. And who doesn't love anything that looks and smells like pizza bake recipe ?

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission!

First things first, get your ingredients organised. It is essential mise en place . Chop that one medium onion (about 1 cup) and mince two cloves of garlic.

Open up your cans of crushed tomatoes (28 ounce/794g) and tomato sauce (15 ounce/425g). Remove the Italian sausage (1 pound/450g) from its casings.

Oh my gosh, nearly forgot! Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Trust me, you don’t want to forget this.

Safety check? Yep, oven mitts are your friend.

How To Make Pizza Casserole: step-by-step

1. Brown that sausage! Get it in a large skillet. Over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon!
2. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes , until the onion softens.
3. Stir in those crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you are feeling spicy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes .
4. Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour in half of the sauce. Arrange half of your refrigerated biscuit dough (10-12 ounces/280-340g) on top.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan (1/2 cup/50g) over the biscuits. Add your favourite toppings, like pepperoni or mushrooms.
6. Pour the remaining sauce. Add the rest of the biscuit dough. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 30- 35 minutes , until the biscuits are golden and the cheese is melty.

Pizza Casserole: Pro Tips for Pizza Perfection

Don't overcrowd your biscuit layers. Overlap 'em slightly. If you're using wet veggies, pre-cook them to avoid a soggy casserole, Honestly, it's the worst thing to happen.

Good quality mozzarella will make all the difference. Also, don't cut into it straight away. Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes to cool down.

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Pizza Casserole Code

Right, so you've got the Pizza Casserole Recipe in 2025 sussed out, yeah? But let's chat about making it your Pizza Casserole .

Honestly, these little tweaks can make all the difference! This isn't just about following a recipe. It's about creating proper comfort food casserole , like what your nan used to make.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look the Biz

So, you've slaved away making this pizza bake recipe , don't just plonk it on the table! A bit of effort goes a long way.

Try a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. It looks amazing . Slice it into squares and arrange them nicely. Simple salad on the side? Perfection.

And let's be real, a pint of your favourite lager, or a crisp glass of white wine never hurt anyone.

Storage Tips: Don't Let it Go to Waste

This Italian sausage casserole is so yummy that you may not have any leftovers, but just in case, let it cool completely.

Then, bung it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is also an option! Cut it into portions, wrap them well, and they'll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating is easy! Oven or microwave, until piping hot. Remember food safety, innit ?

Variations: Making it Your Own

Want to change it up? No problem! For a veggie version, swap the sausage for mushrooms and peppers. Add some crushed tomatoes for extra flavour.

Need a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free biscuits or even a polenta base. For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes.

The "How To Make Pizza" with this casserole has infinite possibilities!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, so it's comfort food casserole , not a kale smoothie. But it's got protein from the sausage and calcium from the shredded mozzarella .

Plus, tomatoes are packed with vitamins. It's a fairly balanced budget friendly meal , especially when shared among the family dinner ideas that you have!.

Basically, it's good for the soul!

So, there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make this Easy casserole recipes a total success. Don't be afraid to experiment! This Pizza Casserole is all about having fun in the kitchen, yeah? Now go on, get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Pizza Casserole Recipe in 2025 ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! You can assemble the pizza casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly. Think of it as your own personal Bake Off technical challenge victory!

My biscuit dough always seems soggy in casseroles. What am I doing wrong with this Pizza Casserole Recipe in 2025?

Sogginess is a casserole's arch nemesis! First, make sure you're not overcrowding the layers and pre-cook any high moisture veggies. Consider using pizza dough instead of biscuit dough as this will soak up less moisture.

Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate a lower temp can lead to a sad, soggy bottom, a fate worse than soggy biscuits!

What are some fun variations I can try with this pizza casserole recipe? I'm feeling adventurous!

Feeling like a culinary Picasso, are we? Try a Mexican inspired version with chorizo, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Or channel your inner Italian nonna with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.

For the meat lovers, a Philly cheesesteak version with thinly sliced steak, onions, and provolone cheese would be banging!

How long does pizza casserole last in the fridge, and is it freezer friendly?

Pizza casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, this dish is surprisingly freezer friendly! Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil, or place in freezer bags. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this pizza casserole healthier? I'm trying to watch my waistline!

You absolutely can make this dish lighter. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage. Load up on the veggies and use part skim mozzarella. You can also swap the biscuit dough for a whole wheat version or even a thin layer of polenta for a lighter crust.

Remember, a balanced diet is key everything in moderation, even pizza casserole!

I'm missing an ingredient in the recipe, what are some good substitution?

Not to worry, recipes are just guide lines! If you are missing any ingredients in tomato sauce, swap it for pizza sauce. If you don't have mozzarella, provolone or cheddar will do in a pinch. Ground beef or turkey works great as a substitute to sausage.