Hearty Italian Deep-Dish Pizza Casserole
Indulge in this delicious Hearty Italian Deep-Dish Pizza Casserole that brings together the best flavors of classic pizza with the convenience of a casserole. Inspired by the Weight Watchers 5 Ingredient 15 Minute Cookbook, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner without compromising on taste. With savory ground round, rich chunky Italian tomatoes, and gooey part-skim mozzarella, each slice is a delight. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and serves six generous portions—all while keeping it light at only 6 points per serving. Serve it warm and watch your family come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Round
1 lb (Cooked and crumbled)
Chunky Italian-Style Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (Heated)
Cooking Spray (Pam)
as needed (For greasing baking dish)
Refrigerated Pizza Dough
1 (10 ounce) can (Unrolled)
Shredded Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
6 ounces (Sprinkled on top before baking)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a nonstick skillet, cook the ground round over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it is browned and crumbles. If any fat remains after cooking, drain it off. Stir in the chunky Italian-style tomatoes and heat the mixture for a few minutes until warmed through.
3
While the meat is cooking, prepare a 13 x 9-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and carefully press it into the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring the dough rises up halfway along the sides.
5
Once the meat mixture is ready, evenly spread it over the pizza dough base.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 12 minutes until the crust starts to turn golden.
7
After 12 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese over the top.
8
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is nicely browned.
9
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a salad of mixed field greens dressed with fat-free or low-fat vinaigrette.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for the Hearty Italian Deep-Dish Pizza Casserole?
This dish is inspired by the Weight Watchers 5 Ingredient 15 Minute Cookbook.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients: ground round, chunky Italian-style tomatoes, cooking spray, refrigerated pizza dough, and shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this casserole provide?
It serves six generous portions.
What is the Weight Watchers point value for this dish?
Each serving is approximately 6 points.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
What kind of meat is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground round.
How should the ground round be prepared?
It should be cooked in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, then drained of any fat.
What type of tomatoes are used in the meat mixture?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of chunky Italian-style tomatoes.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is required.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
The dish should be sprayed with cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking.
What type of pizza dough is used?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce can of refrigerated pizza dough.
How should the dough be placed in the baking dish?
Unroll the dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, ensuring it rises halfway up the sides.
How long is the initial baking time?
The casserole should be baked uncovered for 12 minutes.
What sign indicates the crust is ready during the first bake?
The crust will start to turn golden after about 12 minutes.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
When is the mozzarella cheese added to the casserole?
The cheese is sprinkled over the top after the first 12 minutes of baking.
How long is the second baking period after adding cheese?
It should be baked for an additional 5 minutes.
How can I tell when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is nicely browned.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
What is a recommended side dish for this casserole?
It is recommended to serve it alongside a salad of mixed field greens with a low-fat vinaigrette.
Is this recipe suitable for quick weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is designed for convenience and speed, making it perfect for weeknights.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include weight watchers, casserole, pizza, Italian, healthy eating, easy recipe, quick dinner, low points, and comfort food.
Should the meat be heated with the tomatoes before baking?
Yes, stir the tomatoes into the cooked meat and heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I use fat-free vinaigrette for the side salad?
Yes, fat-free or low-fat vinaigrette is suggested to keep the meal light.
Does this recipe include sugar or cholesterol in the provided data?
The provided data shows null values for sugar and cholesterol.
How much ground round is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground round.
What is the weight of the pizza dough used?
The refrigerated pizza dough should be 10 ounces.
Is the casserole baked covered or uncovered?
The casserole is baked uncovered.
What is the total approximate baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 17 minutes.
Does the recipe require a specific brand of cooking spray?
The recipe mentions Pam, but any cooking spray will work.