This Pizza Casserole is a fun and easy twist on classic pizza! Imagine a warm and cheesy casserole with all the flavors of your favorite pizza, but without the fuss of making a crust. This recipe is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or any occasion where you want a comforting and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Cheesy: This casserole is incredibly simple to assemble, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. The generous amount of cheese and pizza sauce makes it irresistibly cheesy and flavorful.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy pizza night without the mess of individual pizzas.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, such as vegetables, different types of cheese, or even ground meat.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
- Bisquick: A convenient baking mix that forms the base of the casserole “crust.”
- Water: Used to make the Bisquick dough.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a classic Italian flavor.
- Pizza sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce.
- Sliced pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy stretch.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the Bisquick, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the water and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a few tablespoons more Bisquick. If it feels dry, add a tablespoon of water.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Divide the dough in half. Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. The dough will not completely cover the bottom of the pan. Drizzle 1 cup of pizza sauce over the dough. Layer half of the pepperoni slices on top of the sauce, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining dough, sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Adjust the dough consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add more Bisquick. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, onions, or olives.
- Make it cheesy: Add more cheese to your liking or try a different variety, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How to Serve
This Pizza Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and scooping up any extra sauce.
- Beverages: Pair with your favorite beverages, such as soda, juice, or beer.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Pizza Casserole is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of crust? Yes, you can! You can use a pre-made pizza crust, crescent roll dough, or even biscuit dough instead of Bisquick.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives.
4. Can I add meat to this casserole? Definitely! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the filling for a heartier casserole.
This Pizza Casserole Recipe is a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza with a twist. With its customizable toppings and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
PrintPizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
This Pizza Casserole is a fun and easy twist on classic pizza! With a soft and fluffy Bisquick crust, layers of pepperoni, gooey mozzarella cheese, and zesty pizza sauce, it’s a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a casual meal or potluck.
Ingredients
- 3 1/3 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (14-15 ounce) jar pizza sauce
- 6 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine Bisquick, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add water and stir until a soft dough forms. Adjust consistency with more Bisquick or water if needed.
- Assemble Layers: Divide dough in half and drop by tablespoonfuls onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with half of the pizza sauce. Layer half of the pepperoni and half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of pizza sauce you like, such as marinara or your own homemade sauce.
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers.
- If you don’t have Bisquick, you can use another biscuit mix or make your own biscuit dough from scratch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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