Deep Dish Pizza Casserole
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Chicago with this irresistible Deep Dish Pizza Casserole. This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the hearty, cheesy goodness of a deep-dish pizza and the comforting ease of a casserole. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the crust batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the meat sauce evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Pour the crust batter over the cheese, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the batter. If desired, add sliced olives and pepperoni on top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will help it set and make serving easier.
Chef’s Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
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