Why You’ll Love This Meatball & Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
When you’re craving pizza but want something more hearty and filling, the Meatball & Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is your go-to comfort food. This casserole has all the flavors of a classic pizza, but in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole form. Juicy, seasoned meatballs, savory pepperoni, melted mozzarella cheese, and a rich marinara sauce come together in perfect harmony. Top it all off with a golden, crispy pizza dough crust, and you have a dish that is not only delicious but also satisfying and comforting.
This casserole is versatile and can be made in advance for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or for meal prepping. It’s a great option for those nights when you want the delicious flavors of pizza without the hassle of making individual pizzas. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or just a fun twist on your usual pizza night. Whether you’re a meat lover, a fan of cheesy dishes, or just someone who enjoys a classic pizza, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
What You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the base of your meatballs. Ground beef provides the right texture and flavor to make the meatballs juicy and hearty.
- 1/2 lb sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the meatballs, making them more flavorful than regular beef meatballs.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatball mixture together while keeping the texture light and tender.
- 1 egg: The egg serves as a binder to hold the meatball ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the meatballs’ taste.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the meatballs.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding a classic Italian flavor to the meatballs.
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups marinara sauce: This forms the base of the casserole and provides that essential pizza flavor.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni: Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping that adds a bold, savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced: The bell pepper adds freshness and a bit of crunch, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the star cheese of any pizza dish. It melts beautifully and adds that gooey, cheesy texture we all love.
- 1 (13.8-oz) refrigerated pizza dough: This serves as the crust of your casserole, creating a perfect pizza dough layer on top.
- Olive oil: A small amount is used to grease the casserole dish, ensuring the dough and casserole bake up perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give it time to heat up while you prepare the meatballs.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. To ensure they’re cooked all the way through, you can use a meat thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Base
While the meatballs are baking, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little olive oil. Pour the marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly to cover the entire base. The sauce will absorb into the layers of the casserole and flavor the entire dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Once the meatballs are baked, arrange them on top of the marinara sauce. Layer the sliced pepperoni and diced green bell pepper over the meatballs. These ingredients add a classic pizza flair and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole. Make sure to cover all the ingredients so that the cheese melts into every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Add the Pizza Dough
Open the pizza dough and unroll it, carefully stretching it to fit the top of the casserole dish. You can either cover the entire casserole with the dough, creating a thick crust, or fold the dough over the ingredients for a more rustic look. If you like, you can also cut small slits into the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pizza dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If you want the dough to be extra crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the casserole into squares, and serve it warm. You can garnish it with fresh basil or extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This hearty, pizza-inspired casserole is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: It’s important not to overwork the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and dense. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a leaner dish, opt for lean ground beef (like 90% lean or higher). The sausage will add enough fat to keep the meatballs juicy.
- Customize the Toppings: This casserole is super versatile. You can add mushrooms, onions, olives, or even pineapple for a different twist. Get creative with your toppings based on what you love!
- Stretch the Dough Evenly: When spreading the pizza dough over the casserole, make sure to stretch it evenly to avoid any spots where the dough might be too thick or too thin.
- Check the Meatballs for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the meatballs are fully cooked, check them with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re done.
Variations to Try
1. Veggie Lover’s Pizza Casserole
For a healthier version, try swapping the meatballs and pepperoni for more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use a veggie sausage or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
2. Spicy Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
If you love a little heat, use spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or meatballs. This will give your casserole a nice kick of spice.
3. BBQ Meatball & Pepperoni Casserole
Switch out the marinara sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet twist on the classic. Add red onions or bell peppers for extra flavor, and consider adding some cheddar cheese for a more robust cheese profile.
4. Cheeseburger Pizza Casserole
Turn this casserole into a cheeseburger pizza by swapping the meatballs for cooked ground beef and topping it with shredded cheddar cheese. Add some pickles and mustard after baking to give it a true cheeseburger feel.
5. Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Instead of meatballs and pepperoni, use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with buffalo sauce. Top it with blue cheese and celery for a delicious buffalo chicken pizza casserole.
Storing and Reheating
Storing
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow the casserole to cool before storing it to prevent condensation inside the container.
Reheating
To reheat individual portions, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat the entire casserole, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again.
If you’re preparing this casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it the day before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance by assembling it the night before and refrigerating it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, especially if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen meatballs if you’re short on time. Just bake them according to the package instructions before adding them to the casserole.
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pizza dough, you can use that instead of the refrigerated dough. Just make sure to roll it out to fit the top of the casserole.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this casserole can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pizza dough and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs. You’ll also want to check the ingredients for the marinara sauce and pepperoni to ensure they’re gluten-free.
The Final Word
The Meatball & Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best flavors of pizza and casserole in one delicious, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or meal prep for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With juicy meatballs, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and a crispy pizza dough topping, it’s a dish that will satisfy everyone at the table. So next time you’re craving pizza, skip the delivery and make this hearty, satisfying casserole instead—you won’t regret it!