This Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole is a fun twist on classic pizza. With ooey-gooey cheese, pepperoni, and flaky biscuit dough, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night!
I love to whip this up when friends come over. Honestly, there’s nothing like a cheesy slice fresh from the oven to warm the heart—and everyone always smiles when it’s served! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef or Italian sausage: Both options bring great flavor! For a healthier choice, use turkey or chicken. You can also try meat alternatives, like lentils or a plant-based sausage if you’re going vegetarian.
Onion and red bell pepper: These vegetables add sweetness and depth. If you’re out of red bell pepper, feel free to use green bell pepper or even zucchini to add more veggies!
Pizza sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce. You can substitute with marinara sauce or even homemade if you have extra tomatoes and spices on hand.
Cheese: The mix of mozzarella and cheddar creates a rich flavor. You can swap in any cheese you fancy, like provolone or pepper jack for a little kick!
Biscuit dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is super easy, but if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own from scratch! Alternatively, crescent roll dough works well too.
How Do I Ensure the Biscuit Dough Cooks Perfectly?
Getting the biscuit dough just right is key to this casserole. The timing and temperature are important for achieving that golden brown finish.
- Make sure your oven has preheated properly to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
- Cut the biscuit dough into quarters to help it cook evenly. Spacing them out on top of the cheese allows air to circulate, so they bake well.
- Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of baking. Remove it when the biscuits are golden and cooked through – about 25-30 minutes.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz)
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to cook. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a hearty, cheesy meal ready to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your casserole gets nice and hot when it’s ready to bake!
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef (or sausage) until it’s browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, carefully drain any excess grease so your dish won’t be too greasy.
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Continue cooking this mix for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and flavorful.
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Now, stir in the pizza sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once it’s well mixed, remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread your meat and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom. This is the yummy base of your casserole!
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat sauce layer, making sure to cover it nicely.
7. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open the can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Scatter the biscuit pieces over the cheese layer, trying to cover it as evenly as you can.
8. Season the Biscuit Layer:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this flavorful mixture over the biscuit dough to add an extra kick of flavor!
9. Bake the Casserole:
Put your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the biscuits to turn golden brown and be fully cooked through.
10. Add More Cheese:
Once the biscuits look perfect, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Enjoy Your Casserole:
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly. Then, serve it up and enjoy your tasty Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole with friends or family!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this casserole. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until browned, as the flavor will differ slightly from beef or sausage, but it’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Biscuit Dough?
If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free biscuit dough, or even crescent roll dough. Alternatively, consider making a homemade pizza crust or using store-bought pizza dough for a thicker base layer. Just adjust baking time as needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for the best texture.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers to soften before mixing in the sauce. Just be mindful of the moisture they might add to the dish!
