Cheesy Pizza Casserole Pie Recipe: A Family-Friendly Dinner Win

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this mouthwatering pizza casserole pie that combines the best of two beloved dishes.

Layers of gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and crispy pepperoni meld together in a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Every forkful brings a burst of flavor that dance across your taste buds with pure excitement.

The classic pizza ingredients transform into a creamy, bubbling casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Rich marinara and melted mozzarella create a symphony of textures that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This easy-to-make dish promises to be the star of your next family dinner, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every single bite.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch as it becomes an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Making the Pizza Casserole Pie – Step by Step

• Pie Crust Preparation

Grab a deep pie dish and gently press the pie crust into every corner. Brush the surface with a light coat of olive oil and pop it into the oven for a quick golden toast. Let it cool while you work on the magic inside.

• Flavor Foundation

Heat up a skillet and dance some chopped onions and garlic around until they become soft and fragrant. Toss in sausage and break it into delicious crumbles. Mix in pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sprinkle in some Italian seasoning to make everything sing with flavor.

• Pie Assembly

Pour the sizzling mixture into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly like a delicious blanket. Shower the top with extra cheese and pepperoni for that irresistible pizza vibe. Optional: crown it with another pie crust layer if you’re feeling fancy.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the pie into a hot oven and let it bubble and brown for about 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden crust and a filling that’s dancing with excitement.

• Serving Celebration

Let the pie rest for a few moments so the filling can settle into its delicious groove. Slice and serve while it’s warm, ready to transport everyone to comfort food heaven.

Pizza Casserole Pie Variations and Tips

• Pizza Party Twist: Jazz up this casserole pie by adding unexpected ingredients like crispy bacon bits or spicy jalapeños for extra punch and excitement.
• Crust Magic: Experiment with different pie crusts like whole wheat, herb-infused, or even a cornmeal crust to give your pizza pie a unique texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles, roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach to create a delicious meat-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole pie ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven for a fresh, hot meal that saves time during busy weeknights.
• Leftover Love: Transform any remaining slices into a quick breakfast by reheating and topping with a fried egg or use as a cold lunch option that tastes just as delicious the next day.

Serving Suggestions for Pizza Casserole Pie

• Crowd-Pleasing Game Night Centerpiece: Transform this pizza casserole pie into the ultimate party showstopper for sports events or movie marathons. Slice into wedges and serve alongside cold beer or soda for maximum enjoyment.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair this robust dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors. The fresh greens will cut through the pie's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Family Potluck Star: Bring this casserole pie to neighborhood gatherings or family reunions. Its portable nature and crowd-friendly ingredients make it a guaranteed hit that will disappear quickly from the buffet table. Cut into smaller squares for easy sharing and maximum guest satisfaction.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Reheat leftover slices in the oven for a quick 10-minute warm-up that restores the crispy crust and melty cheese. Pack individual portions for lunch the next day, creating an exciting midday meal that breaks up the routine.

Planning and Storage Tips for Pizza Casserole Pie

• Smart Fridge Storage: Wrap leftover pizza casserole pie in airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain flavor and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Slice the casserole into individual portions, wrap tightly in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy crust and melty cheese texture. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy bottom and maintain original delicious crispness.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Double the recipe and create extra portions for busy weeknights. Prepare multiple pies simultaneously, saving cooking time and ensuring delicious meals are always ready when hunger strikes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 432 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Breakdown for Pizza Casserole Pie

• Pie Crust: Buttery foundation that cradles the delectable filling, choose a high-quality pre-made or homemade version for optimal texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle Mediterranean essence and helps create a golden, crisp crust surface.

• Ground Sausage: Hearty protein that brings robust, meaty depth to the casserole pie.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that enhances overall savory notes.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent, bold flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Pizza Sauce: Delivers classic tomato tanginess and ties all ingredients together.
• Bell Peppers: Adds vibrant color and fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
• Mushrooms: Contributes earthy undertones and meaty texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates irresistible, stretchy melted goodness that defines the pizza experience.
• Pepperoni Slices: Introduces spicy, crisp elements that classic pizza lovers crave.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that infuse authentic Mediterranean warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying all flavor profiles.

Tools for Pizza Casserole Pie Preparation

• Pie Dish: Deep dish for holding and baking the casserole pie.
• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing ingredients and mixing the filling.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, peppers, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while cooking.
• Pastry Brush: Used to brush olive oil on the pie crust.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh mozzarella cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings and oil.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes and removing from oven.

Cheesy Pizza Casserole Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty pizza casserole pie delivers classic Italian-American comfort in one satisfying dish. Layers of pasta, melted cheese, and zesty marinara create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground sausage or Italian sausage (casing removed)
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
• 1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce
• 1 cup (240 g) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup (75 g) pepperoni slices
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil (divided)
• ½ onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup (75 g) bell peppers (diced)
• ½ cup (75 g) mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Extra mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Additional pepperoni slices (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Heat oven to 375°F. Gently position pie crust in deep dish, brushing with olive oil. Par-bake for 8 minutes until light golden, then cool completely.
2. Meat and Vegetable Foundation: In large skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground sausage, crumbling and browning thoroughly. Drain excess fat meticulously.
3. Flavor Composition: Fold pizza sauce into meat mixture. Incorporate mozzarella, creating creamy consistency. Introduce pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese softens and ingredients integrate harmoniously.
4. Assembly and Topping: Spread filling evenly across pre-baked crust. Lavishly cover with additional mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Optional: Apply top crust, sealing edges and creating steam vents.
5. Baking Process: Transfer to oven, bake 25-30 minutes until crust achieves rich golden-brown color and filling bubbles vigorously. Final stage ensures complete flavor development and textural perfection.
6. Serving Presentation: Allow casserole to rest briefly for filling stabilization. Slice into generous portions, serving while warmth preserves intricate flavor profile.

Notes

• Crust Preparation Tip: Par-bake the pie crust to prevent sogginess and create a crisp foundation that holds the hefty pizza-inspired filling without becoming wet.
• Meat Draining Technique: Always drain excess grease from sausage to maintain a lighter, less greasy texture and prevent the casserole from becoming overly oily.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Layer cheese throughout the filling and on top to ensure maximum melting and create those irresistible cheesy pulls that make this dish memorable.
• Resting Time Essential: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps the filling set and makes cutting and serving much easier without losing structural integrity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 432
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg