Cheesy Pizza Casserole Pie Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Pizza casserole pie blends comfort and creativity in one mouthwatering dish that sparks instant culinary excitement.

Hearty layers of savory ingredients merge traditional flavors with unexpected textures.

Creamy cheese melts into rich, robust sauce, creating a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired goodness.

Each bite promises a satisfying combination of familiar tastes and innovative cooking techniques.

Imagine a meal that converts classic pizza elements into a delectable, fork-friendly experience.

Warm, golden edges promise crispy deliciousness that beckons you to dive right in.

This recipe offers a playful twist on dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pizza Casserole Pie That’s Loaded with Flavor

• This pizza casserole pie brilliantly combines the beloved pizza flavors with a hearty pie format, creating a delightful cross between a pizza and a comforting casserole that feels like a warm hug.
• The recipe offers incredible flexibility, letting you swap ingredients like sausage, pepperoni, or vegetables to match family preferences or pantry contents, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Requiring just 45 minutes from start to finish, this one-dish wonder appeals to both kids and adults, delivering cheesy, saucy deliciousness that satisfies multiple taste buds without complicated cooking techniques.
• The crispy golden crust paired with gooey melted cheese, tender sausage, and soft vegetables creates a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.

Everything You Need for Pizza Casserole Pie

• Pie Crust: Tender base for the casserole, holds the delicious filling. Store-bought or homemade works great.
• Olive Oil: Light coating to help crust turn golden and crisp.

• Ground Sausage, Pepperoni: Hearty proteins that add classic pizza flavor. Choose spicy or mild sausage based on preference.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and stretchy cheese that melts perfectly. Full-fat version recommended for best texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor profile. Fresh produce provides the best taste.
• Bell Peppers, Mushrooms: Colorful vegetables that add texture and nutrition. Mix colors for visual appeal.
• Pizza Sauce: Rich tomato base that ties all ingredients together. Jarred or homemade sauce works well.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance overall taste. Adjust to personal preference.

Instructions for Assembling a Pizza Casserole Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently roll out the pie crust and nestle it into a deep pie dish, making sure it hugs the edges. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil and pop it in the oven for about 8 minutes until it turns a delicate golden color. Let it cool and rest.

Step 2: Cook the Savory Filling

• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to awaken the flavors. Cook until the cheese starts to melt and get gooey.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Lovingly spoon the sizzling filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly like a warm blanket. Crown the top with extra mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. For an extra touch, you can add a top crust, carefully sealing the edges and cutting small slits to let steam escape.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown crust and a bubbling, tempting filling that promises deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pie rest for a few minutes to allow the filling to set. Slice into generous portions and serve warm. Each bite promises a explosion of cheesy, savory goodness that will make taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Perfect Layers in Your Pizza Casserole

• Crust-Crisp Technique: Brush olive oil on the pie crust before pre-baking to achieve a golden, crispy texture that prevents sogginess.
• Drain and Dry Method: After cooking sausage, thoroughly drain excess fat to keep the filling less greasy and maintain a perfect consistency.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Stir cheese into the filling just before transferring to the crust, allowing it to start melting and create a more integrated flavor profile.
• Steam Vent Strategy: When adding a top crust, cut precise slits to release steam and prevent the pie from becoming too soggy or developing a tough top layer.
• Cooling Patience Trick: Let the casserole pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.

Storing and Reheating Pizza Casserole Slices

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pizza casserole pie to an airtight container, sealing tightly to prevent moisture loss. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pie slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
• Microwave Option: Place individual slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to maintain texture and prevent overcooking.

Pizza Casserole Pie Pairing Suggestions

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the pizza casserole pie. The wine's acidity cuts through the cheese and balances the spicy sausage perfectly.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a crisp arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan. The light, tangy greens provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy pie.
• Serve with Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to match the robust flavors. The beer's carbonation and slight bitterness will cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Add Cool Cucumber Dip: Prepare a quick tzatziki or herb-infused yogurt dip on the side. Its cool, creamy texture offers a delightful counterpoint to the warm, rich casserole pie.

Fun Variations on Pizza Casserole Pie

• Veggie Pizza Casserole: Replace sausage with plant-based ground crumbles or extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and eggplant. Add roasted vegetable mix for deeper flavor profile and increased nutrition.
• Mediterranean Style Pie: Swap pepperoni with kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Incorporate herbs like oregano and basil for authentic Mediterranean taste. Use whole wheat crust for added nutrition.
• Spicy Southwestern Pie: Substitute ground sausage with seasoned ground beef or turkey. Add jalapeños, black beans, corn, and swap mozzarella with pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle taco seasoning for bold, zesty flavor.
• Chicken Alfredo Pizza Casserole: Replace sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken. Use alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce. Add spinach and create a creamy, rich alternative to traditional pizza pie.

Questions People Ask About Pizza Casserole Pie

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even chicken work great in this recipe. Just make sure to brown the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles, extra mushrooms, or diced zucchini. You can also add more bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

• Can I prepare this casserole pie in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the pie up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the fridge.

• What sides pair well with this pizza casserole pie?

A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly. For a lighter option, try a crisp Caesar salad or a fresh arugula side.

Pizza Casserole Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern pizza casserole pie brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables. Cheesy layers of pasta, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground sausage or Italian sausage (casing removed)
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup pepperoni slices

Supporting Vegetables and Seasonings:

• ½ onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup bell peppers (diced)
• ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)

Herbs and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Extra mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Additional pepperoni slices (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drape the pie crust into a deep pie dish, ensuring complete coverage. Apply a light brush of olive oil across the crust’s surface and partially bake for approximately 8 minutes until a delicate golden hue develops. Allow the crust to cool completely.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate ground sausage, methodically breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until achieving a rich brown color. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
3. Integrate pizza sauce into the meat mixture, folding gently to combine. Layer in mozzarella cheese, creating a smooth, melting texture. Carefully distribute pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms throughout the filling. Enhance with Italian seasoning, complemented by subtle salt and pepper notes. Stir until cheese begins to soften and ingredients meld together.
4. Transfer the aromatic filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even distribution. Generously crown the casserole with additional mozzarella and arrange remaining pepperoni slices across the top. For an optional classic touch, consider adding a top crust, meticulously sealing edges and creating strategic steam vents.
5. Slide the assembled pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the crust transforms into a rich golden brown and the filling bubbles enthusiastically.
6. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest momentarily, allowing the filling to stabilize and flavors to harmonize. Slice into generous portions and serve while still warm, revealing the robust, cheesy interior.

Notes

• Elevate your pizza night with this hearty casserole pie that combines the best elements of pizza in a comforting, baked format.
• Pre-baking the crust ensures a crispy base that won’t get soggy from the rich, saucy filling packed with sausage and melted cheese.
• Customize your pie by swapping ground sausage with ground beef, turkey, or keeping it vegetarian with extra veggies and plant-based protein.
• Drain excess fat after cooking meat to prevent a greasy texture and ensure the filling stays perfectly balanced and flavorful.
• Experiment with different pizza sauces, cheese blends, and toppings to make this recipe your own signature comfort food.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg