Pizza Casserole Pie is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings the best parts of pizza night straight to your table in a hearty, deep dish form. I started making this when my family craved something cozier than a regular slice, and the combination of golden crust, savory sausage, and layers of gooey mozzarella instantly won them over. Now, it is the star of our Friday movie nights, filling the house with the irresistible scent of baking bread and Italian spices.
This recipe takes everything you love about pizza, melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings, and bakes it into a casserole that feels special yet easy to pull together. With simple pantry ingredients and zero fuss, Pizza Casserole Pie delivers a warm, cheesy hug in every bite, proving that homemade really is better than delivery.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Casserole Pie
Let me count the ways this beauty will steal your heart (and your appetite)!
- Effortless comfort food: It’s faster than delivery pizza but feels like you slaved away for hours. That golden crust? Pure magic with minimal work.
- Customizable cravings: Got picky eaters? Swap toppings like a pizza pro. My kids fight over pepperoni while I sneak in extra veggies.
- Leftover superhero: Tastes even better next day! The flavors meld into something spectacular while the crust stays surprisingly crisp.
- One-dish wonder: No juggling multiple pans, everything bakes together in pie plate perfection. Less cleanup means more time for seconds!
- Crowd-pleasing power: I’ve served this at everything from game nights to potlucks. Always disappears faster than I can slice it.
Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s like pizza and pie had the most delicious baby ever.
Ingredients for Pizza Casserole Pie
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this glorious pizza pie happen. I promise it’s all simple stuff you can grab on your next grocery run!
- 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie dough: The shortcut queen’s secret weapon! Or go homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Divided for brushing the crust and cooking the filling.
- 1/2 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white, whatever’s in your fridge.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best, but I won’t judge if you use the jarred stuff.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, your call! Remove those casings.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Store-bought works great, but my homemade recipe kicks it up a notch.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Divided between the filling and that gorgeous cheesy top.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices: Plus extra for decorating the top because we eat with our eyes first!
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced: Green, red, or rainbow, make it colorful!
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced: My secret for extra umami goodness.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: That magical blend that makes everything taste like pizza.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Because seasoning is everything!
See? Nothing crazy here, just good, honest ingredients ready to transform into pizza pie perfection!
How to Make Pizza Casserole Pie
Alright, let’s get this pizza party started! I’ll walk you through each step so your pie turns out golden, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think, and I’ve got all my little tricks to share with you.
Preparing the Crust
First things first: preheat that oven to 375°F. Grab your pie plate and unroll one crust, gently pressing it in. Here’s my secret: Brush the bottom and sides with olive oil before baking for 8 minutes. This “blind baking” step keeps the crust crisp instead of soggy later. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Cooking the Filling
While the crust bakes, heat oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until they smell amazing. Add the sausage and break it into little crumbles with your spoon, no big chunks here! Once browned, drain the grease (very important unless you want a greasy pie). Stir in sauce, cheese, and toppings until everything gets cozy and melty.
Assembling and Baking
Now the fun part! Spoon that glorious filling into your pre-baked crust. Top with remaining cheese and extra pepperoni because why not? You can leave it open-faced or add the second crust, just seal the edges with a fork and cut some steam vents. Bake 25 30 minutes until golden perfection. Let it rest 5-10 minutes before slicing, patience rewards you with neat slices instead of cheesy chaos!
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Casserole Pie
Through plenty of trial and error, I have discovered the secrets to making this Pizza Casserole Pie flawless every single time. These simple tricks ensure a crispy crust and perfectly set filling without the mess.
Follow these tips to master this cozy dish:
- Reheat Right: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to revive the crispy crust and melty cheese, skip the microwave
- Rest is Best: Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to allow the cheesy filling to set, ensuring clean slices instead of a gooey mess.
- Room Temp Dough: If using refrigerated dough, let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes before rolling to prevent tearing and make it easier to handle.
- Blind Bake: Always pre-bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding fillings. This crucial step prevents a soggy bottom and keeps the crust crisp.
- Golden Glaze: Brush the top crust with a beaten egg before baking to achieve that professional, shiny golden-brown finish.
- Crispy Pepperoni: Add pepperoni slices on top halfway through baking to get them perfectly crisp without burning.
Variations for Pizza Casserole Pie
Oh, the possibilities! This pizza casserole pie is like a blank canvas for your wildest pizza dreams. Here are some of my favorite twists that keep things exciting in my kitchen.
For meat lovers, swap the Italian sausage for ground beef or mix in some crispy bacon bits. My vegetarian friends go crazy when I load it up with roasted eggplant, zucchini, and black olives instead of meat. Feeling fancy? Try prosciutto and arugula with a drizzle of balsamic after baking.
Crust alternatives? Absolutely! Use crescent roll dough pressed into the pan for a buttery flake, or go low-carb with a fathead dough base. Sometimes I skip the top crust and pile on extra cheese for a deep-dish pizza effect. The beauty is, there are no wrong answers here!
Serving Suggestions for Pizza Casserole Pie
This pizza pie is practically a meal all by itself, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with Italian dressing; the fresh crunch balances that rich, cheesy goodness perfectly. Garlic bread is never wrong either, because let’s be honest, you can never have too much carbs and garlic in one meal!
How to Store and Reheat Pizza Casserole Pie
Okay, confession time, this pie rarely lasts long enough to store in my house! But when we do have leftovers (a miracle, I know), here’s how I keep them tasting fresh and delicious.
For fridge storage, wrap slices tightly in foil or pop them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days. To reheat, I skip the microwave (which makes the crust soggy) and use the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes instead. That brings back that perfect crispness!
Want to freeze it? No problem! Wrap the whole pie or individual slices in plastic wrap first, then foil. Frozen, it keeps beautifully for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro tip: Add a few fresh pepperoni slices before reheating to make it taste just-baked!
Nutritional Information for Pizza Casserole Pie
While this Pizza Casserole Pie is a hearty indulgence, it’s good to know what goes into each comforting slice. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 1/6th of the pie) to help you keep track:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~560 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Total Fat | 35g (12g saturated) |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | ~980mg |
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of sausage, cheese, and dough you use. Enjoy this rich, savory meal in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Pizza Casserole Pie FAQs
Can I use different meats in this pizza pie?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey sausage, diced chicken, or crispy bacon are all delicious swaps. Just ensure any raw meat is fully cooked and drained of excess grease before adding it to the filling to prevent a watery pie.
How long does pizza casserole pie keep in the fridge?
Leftovers stay fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap slices in foil or store them in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven to revive the crispy crust, microwaving tends to make it soft.
Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
Yes! Assemble the unbaked pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time. It is a fantastic meal-prep lifesaver!
What if I don’t have pie crusts?
Crescent roll dough pressed into the pan creates a delicious, buttery alternative. You can also use biscuit dough or a low-carb cauliflower or “fathead” dough. The filling is versatile enough to work with almost any base.
Why blind bake the crust?
Blind baking (pre-baking the empty crust) is crucial to prevent a soggy bottom. It creates a crisp barrier that holds up against the sauce and cheesy filling, ensuring every bite has that perfect crunch.
Family-Favorite Casseroles & Pizza Twists
Loved the cheesy goodness of Pizza Casserole Pie? Try these other comforting bakes that bring pizza and pasta flavors to your dinner table.
- Chicken Lasagna: Creamy, cheesy layers of chicken, pasta, and sauce for a comforting Italian feast.
- Chicken Spinach Alfredo: A rich and creamy pasta dish packed with tender chicken and spinach.
- Meatball Pasta: Classic pasta tossed with savory meatballs and marinara sauce.
- Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta: Flavorful sausage and pasta in a savory sauce for a quick weeknight win.
Serve these hearty dishes next to keep the Italian-inspired comfort food coming!
Why This Pizza Casserole Pie Recipe is a Winner
This Pizza Casserole Pie stands out because it combines the hearty comfort of a deep dish pizza with the ease of a one pan casserole. The crispy golden crust, savory sausage, and layers of gooey mozzarella create a cozy meal that is perfect for family movie nights or busy Fridays.
Give this recipe a try tonight and let the cheesy goodness win you over! Leave a comment below with your favorite topping combinations, and follow me on Facebook for more easy, family friendly dinner ideas.
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Pizza Casserole Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This savory deep-dish pie is packed with Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings baked inside a flaky, golden crust. It is a hearty comfort food meal that is perfect for Friday nights or when you need a fun twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie dough (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided for filling and topping)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (green or red work well)
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Unroll one of the pie crusts and gently press it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Brush the bottom and sides lightly with olive oil to help seal the dough.
- Place the pie dish in the oven and bake for about 8 minutes. This ‘blind baking’ step prevents the bottom crust from getting soggy. Remove it from the oven and set it aside.
- While the crust bakes, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese begins to melt and the mixture is well combined.
- Spoon the savory meat and vegetable mixture into the pre-baked pie shell. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top and add a few extra slices of pepperoni for a classic pizza look.
- You can leave the pie open-faced or top it with the second pie crust. If using a top crust, seal the edges with a fork and cut several slits in the center to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The crust should be golden brown and the filling should be hot and bubbly.
- Let the pie rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set so it doesn’t fall apart when you serve it.
Notes
- Blind baking the crust prevents sogginess.
- Let the pie rest before slicing to keep the filling intact.
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pizza casserole pie, Italian sausage pie, deep-dish pizza pie, pizza pie recipe, easy pizza casserole
