Introduction
Welcome to a comfort food delight that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This Easy Pizza Dinner Casserole combines all your favorite pizza toppings with the convenience of biscuit dough, creating a rich and flavorful dish that will have your family asking for seconds. With layers of savory sausage, bubbly mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni, this casserole is love at first bite!
Ingredients
- 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect baking environment for our casserole.
- In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked, stirring frequently. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily.
- Stir in the pizza sauce along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing them into the cooked sausage. Once well combined, remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, tear each biscuit into quarters and spread them evenly across the bottom to create a cozy base for all those delicious toppings.
- Spoon the flavorful sausage and sauce mixture generously over the biscuits, ensuring an even distribution.
- Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the sausage mixture, letting it settle into all those nooks and crannies.
- Arrange the sliced pepperoni and diced bell peppers on top of the cheese for a burst of color and flavor in every bite.
- To finish off this delightful dish, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over everything, adding a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed up, cooked through, and temptingly golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before diving in — trust me, those first bites will be worth the wait!
Notes or Tips
- If you have a favorite pizza topping, feel free to customize this casserole! Ingredients like mushrooms, black olives, or even cooked bacon can add even more flavor.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it an ideal dish for meal prep.
- For a little extra flair, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for some heat!
Cooking Techniques
Using a skillet to cook the sausage not only gives it a great texture and flavor but also allows for easy incorporation of the pizza sauce and seasonings. Tearing the biscuit dough instead of slicing it leads to a delightful, rustic presentation and texture in the final dish. Baking in a glass or ceramic dish helps to monitor the browning process, ensuring each layer cooks evenly.
FAQ
Can I substitute the ground sausage for something else?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a leaner option, or if you prefer a vegetarian dish, consider using a meat substitute or additional vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
There you have it — a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying Easy Pizza Dinner Casserole that comes together in no time and is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re having a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish brings all the comfort of pizza in a fun and easy casserole form. Enjoy every delicious bite!