Upside-Down Pizza Casserole

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A hearty, cheesy casserole that combines pizza flavors in a comforting baked dish.
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This Upside-Down Pizza Casserole is a creative twist on classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It layers seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers with rich pizza sauce and plenty of cheese. The result is a savory, protein-packed meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. The “upside-down” technique ensures every bite is coated in melted mozzarella and savory juices. It’s an easy, family-friendly option that uses pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite for dinner tables. Serve it hot with a simple side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

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Upside-Down Pizza Casserole

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 499.1

Description

This Upside-Down Pizza Casserole is a creative twist on classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It layers seasoned ground beef, saut&# 195;©ed onions, and bell peppers with rich pizza sauce and plenty of cheese. The result is a savory, protein-packed meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. The "upside-down" technique ensures every bite is coated in melted mozzarella and savory juices. It’s an easy, family-friendly option that uses pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite for dinner tables. Serve it hot with a simple side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onions, and green bell pepper until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the pizza sauce, coarsely chopped pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and drained sliced mushrooms. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Spread the meat mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Arrange the thinly sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat mixture.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 499.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27.4g43%
Saturated Fat 10.3g52%
Cholesterol 112.4mg38%
Sodium 1037.6mg44%
Total Carbohydrate 17.0g6%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g17%
Sugars 8.7g
Protein 40.6g82%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations: Add a layer of cooked pasta or rice under the meat mixture for a heartier meal. You can also swap the mozzarella for provolone or cheddar.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Ensure the mushrooms are well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.

Keywords: pizza casserole, ground beef, italian, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, mozzarella, pepperoni, baked, savory, weeknight, one dish, cheesy, mushrooms, pizza sauce, beef casserole, simple, hearty, leftovers, meal prep
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