Pizza Casserole Pie

This Pizza Casserole Pie combines all the beloved flavors of pizza in a hearty, sliceable pie form. With a flaky crust and a rich, cheesy filling, it’s packed with sausage, pepperoni, veggies, and Italian seasonings. Perfect as a main dish for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe brings comfort food to the next level, blending the best of pizza and pie into one deliciously satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Casserole Pie:
Hearty and Comforting: The combination of a rich, buttery pie crust with a flavorful pizza filling makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite pizza toppings to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you love classic pepperoni or want to go veggie-heavy.
Easy Meal for the Whole Family: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike—perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie can be assembled in advance, then baked when you’re ready to enjoy it, making dinner prep a breeze.
Leftovers Heat Up Well: If there’s any left, just pop a slice in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.

Key Ingredients:

1. Pie Crust
   Store-Bought or Homemade?: Store-bought refrigerated pie crust is a time-saver, but if you have a great homemade pie dough recipe, go for it! It adds an extra layer of flakiness.
   Pre-baking Is Key: Pre-baking the crust ensures it doesn’t become soggy when you add the filling. Just a quick 8-minute bake does the trick.
   Olive Oil Brushing: A light brushing of olive oil on the crust before baking gives it a rich flavor and helps it brown beautifully.

2. Ground Sausage
   Pick Your Protein: Italian sausage adds a great kick, but ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage substitute work well too.
   Season As You Go: Since sausage can vary in saltiness, taste and adjust the seasoning after it’s cooked to avoid over-seasoning the filling.
3. Vegetables and Toppings
   Bell Peppers and Mushrooms: These classic pizza toppings add great flavor and texture, but feel free to include other favorites like olives, spinach, or jalapeños.
   Pepperoni: Adds a burst of flavor and is a crowd-pleaser, but you can substitute with other cured meats like salami or omit it for a vegetarian version.
   Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic pizza stretch. Add some cheddar or Parmesan for extra cheesiness and depth of flavor.

4. Pizza Sauce
   Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Store-bought pizza sauce works great in a pinch, but if you have time, making your own can elevate the flavors. Look for a sauce with a thick consistency to prevent the pie from becoming too watery.
   Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed.

Directions
Prepare the Crust
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll Out the Pie Crust:
Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a deep pie dish, making sure the crust covers the edges of the dish.
Brush the crust with olive oil to add flavor and encourage a nice golden color.

Pre-bake the Crust:
Pre-bake the crust for about 8 minutes until slightly golden. This ensures the crust is partially cooked before adding the filling.
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Filling
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.

Cook the Sausage:
Add ground sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula.
Cook until browned and crumbly, then drain any excess fat.

Combine Ingredients:
Stir in pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, cooking until well combined and the cheese begins to melt.

Assemble the Pie
Fill the Crust:
Spoon the filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
Top with additional mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices for extra flavor.

Add a Top Crust (Optional):
For a fully enclosed pie, add a second layer of pie crust on top.
Seal the edges by pressing the top and bottom crusts together, then cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake
Bake the Pie:
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes to let the filling set.
Slice and serve warm, enjoying the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions:
Wondering what to serve alongside your Pizza Casserole Pie? Here are some perfect pairings to round out your meal:

Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pie.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic breadsticks or a buttery garlic loaf to soak up any extra sauce.
Dipping Sauces: Marinara or ranch dipping sauce can add an extra layer of flavor for dipping each cheesy slice.
Cold Drinks: This hearty dish pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine, a cold beer, or even a classic soda for a true pizza-parlor experience.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Leftover Pizza Casserole Pie? No problem! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy crust.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked pie by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the filling and crust separately up to a day in advance. Store the filling in the fridge and assemble the pie just before baking.

Variations for Your Pizza Casserole Pie:
Personalize your Pizza Casserole Pie with these fun and tasty variations:

Veggie Lovers: Swap the sausage for sautéed spinach, roasted zucchini, and artichoke hearts for a delicious vegetarian version.
Meat Lover’s Dream: Add extra cooked bacon, ham, and sausage to make it a meat lover’s feast.
BBQ Chicken Twist: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and add cooked, shredded chicken and red onions for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
Cheese Explosion: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone into the filling for a richer, creamier pie.

Conclusion:
Pizza Casserole Pie combines everything you love about pizza with the comforting vibes of a homemade pie. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Whether you keep it classic with pepperoni and sausage or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!