Cheesy Pizza Burger Casserole
Introduction
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal, look no further than this Cheesy Pizza Burger Casserole! This dish combines all the flavors of a pizza and a burger into one easy casserole that everyone will love. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is fantastic because it’s simple to make and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that your whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s great for busy weeknights or even weekend gatherings. You can have all the deliciousness of pizza and burgers combined in one dish!
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Burger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat and return it to the heat.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir in the pizza sauce and then remove from heat.
- Roll out the pizza dough in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
- If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the dough is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and then serve!
How to Serve Cheesy Pizza Burger Casserole
This casserole is great served hot from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side salad. It’s also fun to pair it with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.
How to Store Cheesy Pizza Burger Casserole
If you have leftovers (if there are any!), let the casserole cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just make sure to cover it well to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Cheesy Pizza Burger Casserole
- Make sure to drain the fat after cooking the beef for a less greasy casserole.
- Use different toppings if you like! Feel free to add mushrooms, green peppers, or olives to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce works just fine too!
Variation
You can turn this casserole into a vegetarian option by swapping the beef for your favorite veggies or a meat substitute. Try using zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a tasty twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes! Homemade pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to roll it out to fit your baking dish.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish goes great with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with your favorite dips.