Pizza Casserole
This Pizza Casserole is your favorite combination pizza turned into a casserole. It's filled with chicken sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and a homemade marinara sauce-I mean who doesn't like pizza in any form?
This Pizza Casserole is your favorite combination pizza turned into a casserole. It's filled with chicken sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and a homemade marinara sauce-I mean who doesn't like pizza in any form?
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup self-rising flour ( i use gold medal)
- 1/2 cup of plain nonfat greek yogurt (this is mixed with
- 1 lb. mild italian chicken sausage â ( i use isernio's m
- 23 pieces of turkey pepperoni sliced into bite size pieces
- 2 cups pizza sauce or 2 cupsâ zero point marinara sauce
- 4 oz. light mozzarella (i use trader joe’s lite mozzare
- Carbohydrate 0.0641666666666667 g
- Cholesterol 35.25 mg
- Fat 0.828333333333333 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 1.04833333333333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.25825 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (84g)
- Sodium 11.6666666666667 mg
- Sugar 0.0641666666666667 g
- Trans Fat 0.138916666666667 g
- Calories 12 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a large skillet with non stick cooking spray. Cook the chicken sausage on medium high and stir until the sausage is no longer pink and is lightly golden brown. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup yogurt followed by the self-rising flour. Use a rubber spatula to mix together. It will be crumbly at first which is totally normal. Add egg and mix until the dough forms. If dough is too dry, add 1 Tbsp of non fat Greek yogurt. Mix until dough is formed.
- Flour your hands and work surface and begin kneading. Knead until you can easily form a ball, about 10 turns.
- Roll dough into 14-16 small balls. And set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. Stir until all ingredients are blended together. Add cooled chicken sausage and mix until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Then fold in the dough balls into mixture.
- Pour mixture into a lightly greased 3-quart baking pan.
- Cook for 35-38 minutes or until dough is thoroughly cooked.
Pizza Casserole: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present struggle to put something nutritious (and appealing!) on the table. That's why I've become a huge fan of casseroles. They're essentially one-pan wonders, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. This Pizza Casserole is my go-to recipe when I need a quick, satisfying, and surprisingly healthy meal the whole family will love. Forget ordering takeout – this recipe is quicker, healthier, and way more budget-friendly!
The beauty of this Pizza Casserole lies in its versatility. It's easily customizable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, cheeses, or even vegetables. I often add sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. The dough balls add a fun textural element, creating little pockets of deliciousness throughout the casserole. It's the perfect comfort food, satisfying that pizza craving without the guilt of ordering a greasy pie. And let's be honest, the cleanup is a breeze compared to making individual pizzas!
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I often prep the ingredients ahead of time – chopping vegetables or pre-cooking the sausage on the weekend – to make weeknight cooking even easier. The whole family loves this recipe, and it's become a regular in our meal rotation. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables and protein while still enjoying a classic comfort food. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients from other meals. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Weeknight: While this casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it also makes a great dish for potlucks or parties. It's easily transportable and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving. The combination of savory sausage, tangy sauce, and melty cheese is irresistible! And honestly, who doesn't love a warm, cheesy casserole on a cold night?
Tips and Tricks: For even more flavor, try using homemade pizza sauce. It only takes a few minutes and adds a depth of flavor that you can't beat. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella and provolone works wonderfully, as does adding some Parmesan cheese for a bit of sharpness. If you're looking to make it even healthier, you can use whole-wheat self-rising flour for the dough balls. Remember, the key to a successful Pizza Casserole is to ensure the dough balls are cooked through, so don't be afraid to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Serving Suggestions: I often serve this casserole with a simple side salad, but it's also delicious on its own. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal, and the leftovers make a great lunch the next day! If you want to add a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
This Pizza Casserole isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious cooking. It's a recipe that embraces convenience without sacrificing taste, a quality that's incredibly valuable in today's busy world. So, next time you're looking for a family-friendly meal that's both satisfying and easy to make, give this Pizza Casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!
