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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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