The Ultimate Dump And Bake Pizza Casserole Extravaganza: A Culinary Journey Unveiling Simplicity and Savory Bliss
Welcome to the culinary symphony of flavors and simplicity – our Dump And Bake Pizza Casserole is about to redefine your perception of easy, delicious meals. Picture this: the essence of a classic pizza, fused with the convenience of a dump-and-bake dish. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, promising to bring joy to your kitchen and delight to your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Base:
- 1 cup almond flour (for keto version)
- 1 cup coconut flour (for low-carb version)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond or coconut flour, eggs, melted butter, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the base mixture evenly to form the foundation of your pizza casserole.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
- Build Layers of Flavor:
- Spread the cooked sausage over the prepared base in the baking dish. Add layers of pepperoni slices, diced tomatoes, and the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Cheese Galore:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over the entire casserole. Season with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the edges are irresistibly crispy.
Cook Notes
- For a delightful twist, consider adding a layer of sliced olives or artichoke hearts.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties to tailor the dish to your cheese preferences.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
Variations
Veggie Delight:
- Swap out the sausage for your favorite plant-based alternative and load up on an array of colorful veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
Meat Lover’s Dream:
- Elevate the carnivorous delight by adding cooked bacon or ham alongside the sausage and pepperoni.
Mediterranean Twist:
- Infuse a Mediterranean flair by incorporating black olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Keto Version
For those embracing a keto lifestyle, replace the almond flour with an equal amount of coconut flour to reduce the carb content. Opt for a keto-friendly pizza sauce or make your own with minimal sugar.
Low-Carb Version
Tailor this casserole to a low-carb preference by using coconut flour in the base and selecting a pizza sauce with lower carbohydrate content. Load up on low-carb veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
In the grand tapestry of culinary delights, our Dump And Bake Pizza Casserole stands as a testament to the art of simplicity meeting indulgence. As you savor each bite, relish in the fact that a dish this extraordinary emerged from the simplicity of a dump-and-bake process. Let it be a staple in your kitchen, a testament to the fact that culinary excellence need not be complicated. Elevate your pizza night, simplify your cooking routine, and bask in the satisfaction of creating something truly remarkable in your own home. Cheers to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of a well-deserved, homemade meal!
