This upside-down pizza casserole is a fun, hearty twist on pizza night. With layers of savory ground beef, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a golden biscuit topping, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Pizza Flavors in a New Form: Enjoy all the flavors of pizza but with a comforting casserole twist.
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Quick & Easy: This one-pan meal comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
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Customizable: Top it with your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers, for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1/2 cup chopped onion
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1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 (12 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough
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1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
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Sliced pepperoni or favorite pizza toppings (optional)
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
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Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
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Top with Biscuits: Separate the biscuit dough and place the biscuits on top of the cheese, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during baking. Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter if desired for extra flavor and a golden color.
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Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Top with optional toppings like pepperoni or chopped olives before baking if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives before baking.
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Cheese: Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
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Meat: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, try using ground turkey, sausage, or even leftover grilled chicken.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade pizza sauce for a fresher taste.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if refrigerated.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding additional baking time.
4. Can I use another type of biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use any type of refrigerated biscuit dough, but avoid the flaky variety as they may not hold up as well.
5. How do I make the biscuits extra crispy?
Brush the tops of the biscuits with extra melted butter and bake them for a couple of extra minutes if you want a crispier topping.
6. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken would work well as alternatives.
7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
8. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can make it without cheese, but the texture and flavor will be different. You could try using a dairy-free cheese or simply skip it.
9. How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the pizza sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.
10. Can I use a different kind of sauce?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can swap the pizza sauce for marinara sauce or even a white sauce for a creamy twist.
Conclusion
Upside-Down Pizza Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make, and customizable dish that’s perfect for pizza night or any time you’re craving comfort food. With its savory ground beef, melty mozzarella, and golden biscuit topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a fun, casserole-style twist!
Print
Upside-Down Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Upside-Down Pizza Casserole is a fun, hearty twist on pizza night, with layers of savory ground beef, melty mozzarella cheese, and a golden, biscuit topping. It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that the whole family will love, perfect for a comforting dinner. With optional pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, or sausage, you can customize this dish to fit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re craving pizza or casserole, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (12 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
Sliced pepperoni or favorite pizza toppings (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Ground Beef:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
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Add Pizza Sauce and Seasonings:
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Stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
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Layer the Casserole:
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Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
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Add Biscuit Topping:
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Separate the biscuit dough and place the biscuits on top of the cheese, leaving space between them for expansion.
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If desired, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for extra flavor and a golden finish.
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Bake:
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Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve:
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Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. If desired, top with additional pizza toppings like pepperoni or chopped olives before baking.
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Notes
Toppings: Customize the casserole with your favorite pizza toppings, such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy casserole, add more shredded mozzarella on top of the biscuits before baking.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole after assembling it (before baking). Just cover it tightly and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving
