Deep Dish Pizza Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish
If you’re craving pizza but want something extra hearty and satisfying, this Deep Dish Pizza Casserole is your new go-to. Packed with all your favorite pizza toppings — melty mozzarella, juicy sausage, crisp bell peppers, and briny olives — layered over a thick crust and rich tomato sauce, this casserole-style pizza brings all the flavor in a family-friendly, sliceable format.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for game night, or just satisfying a deep-dish craving, this easy-to-make meal is a total win.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Pizza Casserole
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Hearty & Satisfying – Deep layers of cheesy, saucy, meaty goodness.
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Customizable – Use your favorite toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, or jalapeños!
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Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavor, minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef)
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1 small onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
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1 ½ cups pizza sauce or marinara
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup sliced black olives
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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Optional: sliced mushrooms, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a deep round baking dish or an 8-inch cake pan.
2. Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and onion, breaking the meat into crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Assemble the Crust
Roll out your pizza dough and press it into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your pan to form a deep crust.
4. Layer the Goodness
Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough. Top with the cooked sausage mixture, bell peppers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and a thick layer of mozzarella.
5. Bake It
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh basil or oregano and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips & Variations
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Make it Vegetarian – Skip the sausage and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
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Crust Swap – Try crescent roll dough for a flakier base or biscuit dough for a Southern twist.
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Cheese It Up – Add provolone or sharp cheddar for a bold flavor punch.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Deep Dish Pizza Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad, some garlic knots, or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
For more details, visit the full recipe