Casseroles > Italian Casseroles

Twice-Baked Pizza Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 pound ground Italian sausage
-1/2 cup diced onion
-1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
-1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
-1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
-1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special Equipment Needed:
-Large skillet
-9x13-inch baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, onion, and bell pepper until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
5. Spread the sausage mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Unroll the pizza dough and press it into the top of the sausage mixture.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pizza dough.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the pizza dough is golden brown.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F
Serving Size: 8

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 17 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
-Ground beef or turkey can be used in place of the Italian sausage.
-Any type of bell pepper can be used in place of the green bell pepper.
-Fresh diced tomatoes can be used in place of the canned diced tomatoes.
-Any type of cheese can be used in place of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.

Variations:
-Add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms to the sausage mixture.
-Add 1/4 cup of diced jalapenos to the sausage mixture.
-Add 1/2 cup of diced pepperoni to the sausage mixture.
-Substitute the pizza dough with biscuit dough.

Tips and Tricks:
-For a crispier crust, brush the pizza dough with olive oil before baking.
-For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.

Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the casserole with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Garnishes:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the pizza dough is not cooking through, cover the casserole with foil and continue baking until the dough is cooked through.

Food Safety Advice:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
The origins of this dish are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Italy.

Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and a slight kick from the red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Tangy, Spicy, Hearty