Deconstructed Pizza Casserole
Try this Deconstructed Pizza Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Deconstructed Pizza Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (do not use petite dice)
- 5 links (19.5 oz.) uncooked turkey italian sausage ( use hot or sweet, whichever you prefer.)
- 2 tsp. + 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- salt and fresh-ground pepper to taste (i didn't us
- 8-12 oz. fresh mushrooms washed and cut into thick slices (i used brown cremini mushrooms.)
- 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (i used part-skim mozzare
- 15 slices pepperoni cut in half (i used regular peppe but for less fat you can use turkey pepperoni if you prefer)
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400F/200C.
- Spray an 8 inch x 11 inch glass casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
- Pour the diced tomatoes into a colander placed in the sink and rinse with cold water.
- Let tomatoes drain a minute or two, then spread them out on paper towels to dry (or blot dry with another paper towel on top).
- While tomatoes dry, heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan, squeeze the sausage out of the casing, and cook sausage over medium-high heat until it's nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- While sausage cooks, wash mushrooms, pat dry, and slice into thick slices.
- When the sausage is done make a layer of sausage in the bottom of the casserole dish and top with the drained tomatoes, spreading them out over the top of the sausage.
- Season with dried oregano, salt, and fresh-ground black pepper.
- Rinse out the pan if needed, then heat the other 2 tsp. of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- When the pan is hot add the mushrooms and cook, stirring a few times, until all the liquid is released and the mushrooms are starting to brown.
- Layer the mushrooms over the sausage-tomato mixture.
- Cut pepperoni in half.
- Sprinkle the grated Mozzarella over the top of the casserole and lay the pepperoni pieces on top of the cheese, spacing them evenly so the whole top is covered with pepperoni.
- Bake about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Serve hot.
Deconstructed Pizza Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, packed lunches, after-school activities, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" I crave simplicity and deliciousness, and this Deconstructed Pizza Casserole delivers on both fronts. Forget the fussy pizza-making process; this recipe is a game-changer. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily, perfect for those nights when you're short on time but don't want to compromise on flavor. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your family's preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, mushrooms, or even add some bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
This casserole is more than just a convenient meal; it's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. The savory sausage, juicy tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and melty mozzarella cheese create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle whatever the evening throws your way. I often make a double batch on Sundays and have leftovers for lunch throughout the week, which is a huge time saver. No more midday meal stress! The kids love it, and honestly, so do I. It’s become a staple in our household, a true testament to its ease and deliciousness. It's a perfect example of how a little creativity in the kitchen can create a big impact on your family’s dinner table.
Why this recipe works:
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward instructions make this perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Tailor the ingredients to your liking – different sausages, veggies, cheeses, all work beautifully.
- Family-Friendly: It's a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Potential: Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
- Leftover Magic: Delicious cold or reheated, making it perfect for lunches.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage for a kick.
- Veggie Boost: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or even a blend.
- Herb Garden: Fresh basil or oregano adds a lovely aromatic touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sausage and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
This Deconstructed Pizza Casserole isn't just a recipe; it's a solution, a time-saver, and a delicious way to bring your family together around the dinner table. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the joy of a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal. You won't regret it!
