Hearty Deep-Dish Meatlover's Pizza Casserole
Indulge in this delicious Hearty Deep-Dish Meatlover's Pizza Casserole, a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich layers of seasoned ground beef, savory mushrooms, and gooey mozzarella nestled within a buttery pizza crust, this dish is sure to please the whole family. It's incredibly versatile, so feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings or veggies for an extra twist. Serve it alongside a fresh tossed salad for a wonderful finish to your dinner!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh or jarred)
chunky Italian-style tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
sliced mushrooms
4 ounces (canned)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the dish)
refrigerated pizza dough
10 ounces (unrolled)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
3
Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the chunky Italian-style tomato sauce and sliced mushrooms; cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
4
While the meat mixture is simmering, spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish, making sure to also cover halfway up the sides.
6
Spread the heated meat mixture over the bottom crust evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
7
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12 minutes, or until the crust has started to set.
8
Pull the casserole out of the oven, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
9
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Deep-Dish Meatlover's Pizza Casserole?
It is a comforting and satisfying meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, savory mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese baked in a buttery pizza crust.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish should be used?
A standard 13 x 9 inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
How long does the beef and onion need to cook?
Cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent.
What type of tomato sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 15 ounces of chunky Italian-style tomato sauce.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1 pound of ground beef, which should be browned and drained.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray the dish with cooking spray to prevent the pizza dough from sticking.
What kind of pizza dough should I buy?
The recipe uses a 10-ounce package of refrigerated pizza dough.
How do I fit the dough into the baking dish?
Unroll the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish, making sure it covers halfway up the sides.
How long do I bake the casserole before adding the cheese?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 12 minutes until the crust starts to set.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How long is the final baking time after adding cheese?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for about 5 minutes to allow it to set before slicing into squares.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes, the recipe is versatile; feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings or extra veggies.
What side dish goes well with this casserole?
A fresh tossed salad is a wonderful accompaniment to this hearty dish.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The ingredient list specifies 4 ounces of canned sliced mushrooms.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, which can be fresh or from a jar.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a quick dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
How much onion is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What makes this a 'deep-dish' casserole?
The pizza dough is pressed halfway up the sides of a 13x9 dish, creating a thick, deep-dish style crust.
Do I need to cook the sauce and meat together?
Yes, after browning the meat, stir in the sauce and mushrooms and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Is the crust crispy or soft?
The crust is buttery and golden brown, providing a structured base for the heavy meat toppings.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, though mozzarella is recommended, you could use a pizza blend, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add pepperoni?
Yes, adding pepperoni layers would enhance the 'meatlover's' aspect of the dish.
How do I ensure the meat isn't too greasy?
Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning the ground beef and onions.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and comfort food that is sure to please adults and children alike.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
With browning the meat and two baking stages, the dish takes approximately 30-40 minutes to prepare and bake.