Looking for a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings? Our Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie combines all your favorite pizza toppings in a savory, deep-dish pie. With a flaky crust and layers of delicious fillings, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni or love a mix of veggies, this casserole pie is versatile and satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground sausage or Italian sausage, casing removed
1 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional toppings:
Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
Additional pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the pie crust and place it in a deep pie dish. Brush the crust with olive oil. Pre-bake the crust for about 8 minutes, then set it aside.
Make the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Add the ground sausage and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until well combined and the cheese starts to melt.
Assemble the Pie:
Spoon the filling into the pre-baked crust. Top with additional mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
If desired, cover with another layer of pie crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits to allow steam to escape.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
Accompaniments: Pair the Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie with a simple green salad or Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic breadsticks or a side of roasted vegetables can also complement the meal.
Portion Sizes: Cut the pie into 6 even slices for a hearty serving. For a lighter meal, consider serving smaller slices with more side dishes.
Garnishing: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Temperature: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the filling set. This makes it easier to slice and serves warm, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Customization: Offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as extra cheese, olives, or crushed red pepper flakes, so guests can customize their slices.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pizza Casserole Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Oven: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crust’s crispiness.
Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may be softer.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For best results, reheat in the oven to restore the crust’s texture.
Avoiding Sogginess: To prevent the crust from becoming soggy during reheating, you can place a piece of parchment paper or a baking rack underneath the pie slice. This allows air to circulate and keeps the crust crisp.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of crusts for the Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie. If you prefer a whole wheat crust or a gluten-free option, simply substitute it in the recipe. You can also use a homemade pie dough if you prefer to make it from scratch.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make the Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie vegetarian, substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables such as spinach, olives, or artichokes. Ensure that any cheese you use is vegetarian-friendly as well.
Can I freeze the Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best results, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion:
Our Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie is the perfect dish for pizza lovers who want something a little different. With its rich filling and delicious crust, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful twist on classic pizza!
📖 Recipe:
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Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie! This savory pie combines all your favorite pizza toppings, including gooey mozzarella cheese, zesty pepperoni, and fresh vegetables, nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings, this pizza casserole is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, offering a hearty and satisfying meal in every slice. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a must-try recipe for pizza lovers!
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground sausage or Italian sausage, casing removed
1 cup pizza sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional toppings:
Extra mozzarella cheese for topping
Additional pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a deep pie dish. Brush the crust with olive oil. Pre-bake the crust for about 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add sausage and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until well combined and cheese starts to melt.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the filling into the pre-baked crust. Top with additional mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Cover with another layer of pie crust if desired, sealing the edges and cutting slits to allow steam to escape.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, such as adding olives, spinach, or different cheeses.
To prevent a soggy crust, avoid overloading with toppings and ensure the filling is well-drained of excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 560 kcal per serving
