Savory Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Bake. This delicious, hearty dish combines ground beef, savory pepperoni, and a medley of toppings all enveloped in golden, fluffy biscuit dough. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers the beloved flavors of pizza in a casserole format that’s easy to prepare and even easier to share. Complete the experience by serving with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 - 1.5 lb (raw, browned)
Medium onion
1 (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
Black olives
4 ounces (drained)
Pizza sauce
15 ounces (canned)
Turkey pepperoni
5 ounces (sliced)
Low-fat mozzarella
3 - 4 ounces (shredded)
Reduced-fat buttermilk biscuits
16.3 ounces (separated and cut into fourths)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 1.75-quart oval baking dish.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, stirring frequently.
3
To the skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, drained black olives, turkey pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Mix well and heat the mixture through, allowing it to bubble slightly.
4
Pour the beef and vegetables mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5
Sprinkle shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef mixture for a cheesy layer.
6
Cut the refrigerated biscuits into quarters and scatter the pieces randomly over the cheese layer, ensuring some pieces touch the filling for optimal texture.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines ground beef, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and pizza sauce, topped with golden, fluffy biscuit dough.
What are the primary proteins in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef and 5 ounces of turkey pepperoni.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The casserole should be baked in the oven for 15-18 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using a 1.75-quart oval baking dish.
How do I prepare the biscuits for the topping?
Take a 16.3-ounce package of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, separate them, and cut each biscuit into quarters.
What kind of cheese is used in this pizza casserole?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 ounces of shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes one diced medium onion, 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, and 4 ounces of drained black olives.
Do I need to cook the meat before baking?
Yes, you must brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet before assembling the casserole.
How much pizza sauce is required?
You will need one 15-ounce can of pizza sauce.
Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Yes, you can substitute turkey pepperoni with standard pepperoni if you prefer.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifies using 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should lightly grease the baking dish before adding the ingredients.
How are the biscuit pieces arranged on the casserole?
The quartered biscuit pieces should be scattered randomly over the cheese layer, ensuring some pieces touch the filling.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your baking dish.
Can I omit the olives if I don't like them?
Yes, the recipe is flexible and you can omit or swap ingredients like olives and mushrooms to suit your taste.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is recommended to serve this casserole with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side.
Should I let the casserole cool before eating?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
What type of biscuits are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using a 16.3-ounce package of reduced-fat buttermilk biscuits.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
In what order do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
First, pour in the beef and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle the cheese, and finally top with the biscuit pieces.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Yes, while the recipe mentions canned sauce, a homemade version would work perfectly as long as you use 15 ounces.
Is this a good recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for family dinners or gatherings because it is easy to share.
What is the weight of the mushrooms required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
Does the recipe call for specific onion preparation?
Yes, the medium onion should be diced before cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe is savory rather than spicy, though the pepperoni and pizza sauce provide classic Italian flavors.
Can I use full-fat mozzarella?
Yes, though the recipe suggests low-fat mozzarella, full-fat mozzarella can be used for a richer result.
How do you cook the mushrooms and olives?
Add them to the skillet with the browned beef, pepperoni, and sauce, then heat the mixture until it bubbles slightly.
What makes this a 'pizza' casserole?
It uses traditional pizza ingredients like pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, and olives, but in a baked casserole format.