Double-Crust Pizza Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines all the flavors of a classic pizza with the comfort of a baked casserole. This dish features two layers of pizza dough encasing a rich filling of seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. Topped with your favorite pizza toppings, this casserole is like a deep-dish pizza with an extra satisfying crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, Double-Crust Pizza Casserole is a fun and easy way to enjoy pizza in a whole new way, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite pizza toppings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bottom Crust:
- Roll out half of the pizza dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure it covers the entire bottom.
- Layer the Filling:
- Spread half of the meat sauce mixture over the dough, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add any additional toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Add the Top Crust:
- Roll out the remaining pizza dough and place it over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
- Brush the top crust with olive oil and sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- If the top crust browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Enjoy your Double-Crust Pizza Casserole, a deliciously satisfying dish that brings the flavors of pizza into a comforting, family-friendly casserole!
