Description
Hearty Pizza Casserole Pie is a comforting and savory dish combining a flaky pie crust with a rich, cheesy pizza-style filling featuring sausage, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables. This casserole-style pie offers all the flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient, sliceable format perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
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
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 chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the ground sausage or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly, then drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until well combined and the cheese begins to melt, creating a cohesive filling.
- Assemble the Pie: Spoon the warm filling evenly into the pre-baked pie crust. Top with extra mozzarella cheese and additional pepperoni slices for a classic pizza finish.
- Cover Optional: If desired, cover the pie with another layer of pie crust, seal the edges by pressing firmly, and cut slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the filling to set slightly.
Notes
- You can customize the topping vegetables to your preference; olives and onions also work well.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- If using homemade pie dough, ensure it is chilled before rolling out for best results.
- Pre-baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom and ensures a crisp texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
