Description: This Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie combines the comforting warmth of a casserole with the satisfying flavors of pizza. It’s a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and customize to your favorite pizza toppings. Encased in a flaky pie crust, the savory filling of sausage, vegetables, and melted cheese will make this casserole a new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground sausage or Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 cup pizza sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Toppings (Optional):
- Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
- Additional pepperoni slices for topping
- Black Olives
- Spinach
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly golden crust. While the oven heats, unroll the pie crust and carefully fit it into a deep pie dish (9-inch is ideal). Gently press the crust against the bottom and sides of the dish, ensuring there are no air pockets. Trim any excess dough from the edges, leaving a slight overhang. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers for a decorative touch.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crust Brush the bottom of the pie crust with olive oil. This helps to create a barrier between the crust and the filling, preventing the crust from becoming soggy. Pre-bake the crust for about 8 minutes. This initial baking helps to set the crust, ensuring it will hold its shape and maintain a pleasant texture once the filling is added. Remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the base flavor of the casserole. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Sausage Add the ground sausage (or Italian sausage, casing removed) to the skillet. Break up the sausage with a spoon or spatula, and cook until it is browned and crumbly, about 7-10 minutes. Ensure the sausage is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 5: Combine the Filling Ingredients Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, quartered pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring they are well combined. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, until the mozzarella cheese starts to melt and the flavors meld together. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie Carefully spoon the pizza filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the crust. Top with additional shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices, if desired.
Step 7: Add the Top Crust (Optional) If you want a traditional pie crust top, unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the crust from puffing up and cracking.
Step 8: Bake the Pie Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The internal temperature of the filling should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the sausage is fully cooked.
Step 9: Cool and Serve Remove the Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Cut the pie into slices and serve warm.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your personal preferences. Don’t like mushrooms? Leave them out. Love olives? Add them in!
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the comforting flavors of pizza in a unique casserole form. It’s a great way to get your family involved in the kitchen.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Satisfying and Hearty: The combination of sausage, cheese, and vegetables in a flaky crust makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. It’s perfect for lunch or a quick and easy dinner.
- Great for parties or quick bite.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Delicious
- Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips:
- For a spicier casserole, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- To prevent the crust from burning, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- If you don’t have time to make your own pie dough, store-bought crusts work just as well.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles or add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just assemble the pie and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg
Conclusion:
The Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It combines the best of pizza and casserole, creating a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows for endless customization, ensuring that you can create a pie that suits your taste perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza heaven! The Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie is a comforting and delicious dish that you and your family will surely love. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pie crust? A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can be a fantastic alternative to pie crust. It will give the casserole a slightly different texture, but it will still be delicious. Just be sure to pre-bake the dough slightly before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy. You may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. If using pizza dough, consider pre-baking it for approximately 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling.
Q2: I don’t have sausage on hand. What else can I use? A: There are several great substitutes for sausage! Ground beef, ground turkey, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives work well. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or ham. Adjust the seasoning to complement the meat you choose. For example, if using ground beef, consider adding a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a more robust flavor.
Q3: Can I freeze the pizza casserole pie? A: Yes, you can freeze the pizza casserole pie, either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the assembled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. If freezing after baking, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it similarly. To reheat, bake the frozen pie at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the crust is golden brown, about 45-60 minutes. Thawing the pie in the refrigerator overnight before baking will significantly reduce the reheating time.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to the filling? A: The possibilities are endless! Some great additions include:
- Spinach: Adds a boost of nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Zucchini: Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and adds moisture.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Provide a smoky, sweet flavor.
- Black Olives: Add a salty, briny flavor.
- Artichoke Hearts: Offer a tangy, slightly nutty flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide intense flavor.
Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables to create a customized filling.
Q5: How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy? A: There are several techniques you can use to prevent a soggy crust:
- Pre-Baking: As mentioned in the recipe, pre-baking the crust helps to set it and create a barrier against the filling.
- Brushing with Olive Oil: Brushing the bottom of the crust with olive oil creates a moisture-resistant barrier.
- Using a Thicker Sauce: Avoid using a watery or thin pizza sauce. A thicker sauce will be less likely to seep into the crust.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid adding too much filling, as this can weigh down the crust and make it soggy.
- Use a Pizza Stone: Baking the casserole on a preheated pizza stone can help to create a crispier crust.
