Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the flavors of pizza with the ease of a one-pan casserole.
  • Kid-friendly and customizable with nearly any pizza topping.
  • Quick to prep with simple ingredients.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough (regular or buttermilk style)
  • Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • Ground beef, sausage, or pepperoni (or a combination)
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Onion or garlic (optional)
  • Preferred pizza toppings (mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, etc.)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: parmesan cheese or fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
  2. Brown your meat of choice in a skillet, seasoning lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in pizza sauce and any optional aromatics or vegetables. Simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Cut the biscuit dough into small bite-sized pieces.
  5. Gently fold the biscuit pieces into the meat mixture until evenly coated.
  6. Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish.
  7. Top with mozzarella and additional cheddar if desired.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits have puffed, the casserole is bubbling, and the cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6–8 people
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~25–30 minutes
Total time: ~35–40 minutes

Variations

  • Pepperoni-Only Version: Skip the meat and fold in sliced pepperoni with the sauce and biscuits.
  • Supreme Style: Add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and onions for a fully loaded casserole.
  • Cheeseburger Bubble Up: Use ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a touch of ketchup-mustard mixed into the sauce.
  • Spicy Italian: Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper.
  • Vegetarian: Swap meat for extra vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or caramelized onions.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 180 °C (350 °F) oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add foil when reheating larger portions to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How do I know when the biscuits are fully cooked?

The casserole is ready when the biscuits have puffed, feel firm when lightly pressed, and the center is no longer doughy.

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuit dough?

It won’t “bubble up” the same way, but you can layer torn pieces of dough throughout the casserole for a similar effect.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything except the biscuit pieces, add them just before baking to keep the texture light and fluffy.

What size casserole dish should I use?

A 9×13-inch dish works best for even cooking and bubbling.

Can I use low-fat cheese?

Yes, but full-fat melts more smoothly and provides richer flavor.

Do I need to precook vegetables?

High-moisture vegetables such as mushrooms or peppers can be lightly sautéed to prevent extra liquid in the casserole.

Can I use a different sauce?

Marinara, garlic-parmesan, or even a creamy Alfredo base all work well.

How can I make it crispier on top?

Bake uncovered and broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two separate dishes to ensure even baking.

How can I reduce the richness?

Use turkey sausage or lean ground meat, and increase the ratio of vegetables.

Conclusion

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that turns classic pizza ingredients into a cozy, bubbly bake. With endless topping combinations and simple preparation, it’s a reliable choice for weeknights or gatherings. Enjoy its comforting flavors and playful texture any time pizza cravings hit.

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Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

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A warm, cheesy pizza-inspired casserole made with biscuit dough, pizza sauce, meat, and your favourite toppings that puff up into a fun, hearty bake.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (regular or buttermilk)
  • 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
  • 450 g ground beef, sausage, or sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 small onion or 2 garlic cloves, optional
  • 12 cups preferred toppings (mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, etc.)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Brown chosen meat in a skillet with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add pizza sauce and any optional vegetables or aromatics; simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Cut biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Fold biscuit pieces gently into the meat and sauce mixture.
  6. Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  7. Top with mozzarella and optional cheddar.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until biscuits are puffed, cheese is melted, and casserole is bubbling.
  9. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish, and serve.

Notes

  • Sauté high-moisture vegetables first to avoid excess liquid.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the top for 1–2 minutes.
  • Add biscuit pieces only right before baking for best texture.
  • Use full-fat cheese for smoother melting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
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