Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Packed with cheesy goodness and savory beef, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

For this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

For the crust:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

– 3/4 cup milk

For the filling:

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 small onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup pizza sauce

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Follow these steps to prepare your Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface and roll it out to fit the size of your baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the beef filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and continue cooking until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the pizza sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Assemble the casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the rolled-out crust in the bottom of the dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the crust. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano.

Step 4: Bake and serve

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole while it’s hot!

Tips and Variations

– Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings to the casserole, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.

– For a spicier version, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.

– If you prefer a crispy crust, prebake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Tips

– Make sure to use a good-quality pizza sauce for the best flavor.

– You can make the crust and filling ahead of time and assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake it.

– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it – a delicious recipe for Cheesy Beef Pizza Casserole. This hearty and satisfying dish is sure to please the whole family. With its flavorful beef filling, gooey cheese, and crispy crust, it’s like having a pizza in casserole form. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of comfort and indulgence!