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This stick-to-your-ribs combo of pizza meets casserole creates the ultimate meat enthusiast's treat. I whipped this up for a community dinner once, and now it's the #1 dish folks ask me to bring, mixing everything great about pizza with the down-home feel of a family casserole. The taste reminds me of my neighborhood pizza joint, but with that special touch only homemade food delivers.
Through years of family get-togethers, this dish has become our favorite comfort meal. When those cheese strings stretch from pan to plate and that smell fills up the house, everyone shows up in the kitchen before the timer even dings.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Ground beef: Go with 85% lean for good taste without swimming in grease. Pick fresh meat with a vibrant red color
- Italian sausage: Real pork sausage brings amazing flavor. Go mild or spicy based on what you like
- Pepperoni: Grab quality, thicker slices for better bite and stronger taste
- Mozzarella cheese: Shred it yourself for the creamiest melt. Skip the bagged stuff for best results
- Pizza sauce: Choose a hearty tomato basil type for real pizza flavor and nice thickness
Putting It All Together
- Getting The Oven Ready:
- First, heat your oven to 425°F. The hot temperature will give you that awesome crispy top and melty cheese. While it warms up, give your 9x13 baking dish a good spray with cooking spray, getting the sides too.
- Cooking The Meats:
- Put a big skillet on medium-high heat. Throw in the ground beef and sausage together, breaking it up as it cooks. Keep going until you don't see any pink, usually about 8-10 minutes. Then drain off the extra fat so your dish won't end up greasy.
- Boosting The Taste:
- Toss in your chopped pepperoni with the cooked meat. Sprinkle flour and Italian seasoning over everything, stirring the whole time so it doesn't clump. This step makes a rich base that helps thicken everything up nicely.
- Making The Sauce:
- Pour in the tomato basil sauce and mix it with your seasoned meat blend. Let it bubble gently, giving the flavors time to mix and the sauce time to thicken a bit. This takes around 5 minutes.
- Layering Everything:
- Dump the meat sauce mix into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover it completely with a thick layer of mozzarella. Then carefully roll out the pizza dough on top, gently pulling it to reach all the edges.
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My Nonna always told us to wait before cutting into casseroles. This little bit of patience lets everything firm up so you won't get runny filling all over your plate when you serve it.
What To Serve With It
Dish up this filling casserole with a fresh Caesar salad and some buttery garlic bread. For a full dinner, add some roasted veggies on the side. A nice 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 with different cheeses like provolone or fontina
- Put some fresh basil leaves under the pizza dough for an aromatic twist
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra portions covered in your fridge for up to 4 days. When it's time to eat again, warm single servings in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep the top crispy. Try not to use the microwave as it'll make the crust go soft.
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This meat lovers pizza casserole has turned into my trademark dish for group meals, getting tons of compliments and recipe requests every time I make it. The mix of three different meats, stretchy cheese, and that crispy top makes an irresistible comfort food that brings the whole gang together. It just goes to show sometimes the tastiest dishes come from mashing up two foods everybody already loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish in advance?
- Sure! Prepare the meaty base early, but don’t add the pizza crust until you're ready to bake.
- → What can I use instead of pizza dough?
- Crescent roll or biscuit dough works nicely as a quick swap for the crust.
- → Can I include veggies?
- Absolutely! Toss in sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or onion for more flavor and an added healthy touch.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Keep it sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to get that crust crispy again.
- → Can this dish be frozen?
- Yes, freeze it without the crust for up to 3 months. Add a fresh crust when it's baking time.