Sevenlayer Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole 7 Layers of Cheesy Comfort

By SandraSeptember 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Your Next Comfort Food Obsession

Craving something utterly satisfying? Have you ever imagined Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers all baked into one dish? This isn't just a recipe; it's a hug in a baking dish.

It's also easy comfort food casserole recipes . Get ready for a cheesy, saucy, and utterly delicious experience that will redefine your weeknight dinners.

What's the Story Behind Casserole Pizza ?

The beauty of a Pizza Casserole with ground beef lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The Italian casserole recipes are deeply rooted in family style cooking, designed to feed a crowd and make everyone happy.

This particular version is our take on the classic pizza flavors, transformed into an easy family casserole dinners format. It's pizza lasagna recipe without the faff! This easy pizza casserole recipe is a medium difficulty recipe.

Expect to spend 30 minutes prepping, another 45 minutes baking, and the yield is a generous 6-8 servings.

Why You'll Adore This Layered Casserole Recipes

Honestly, this recipe is all about that comforting vibe. Packed with protein and calcium, it's a surprisingly wholesome take on pizza.

It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something quick, satisfying, and totally crowd pleasing. My Aunt used to make this for us after school.

This 9x13 casserole recipes can't be wrong. It's also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or casual gatherings. What makes this recipe special? It's not just the taste.

It's the memories you'll create while making it.

Let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Pizza Casserole Starts Here!

Right, let's get this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers party started. Honestly, getting your ingredients sorted is half the battle, isn’t it? And this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe is all about making life simple.

We are building a Casserole Pizza , like pizza lasagna recipe

Main Ingredients: The Starry Cast

Okay, for this particular comfort food casserole recipes adventure, you'll need:

Base layer : 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil, 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 28 oz (794g) crushed tomatoes, 15 oz (425g) tomato sauce.
Cheesy Layers : 15 oz (425g) ricotta, 1 large egg, ¼ cup (30g) Parmesan, 2 cups (225g) mozzarella, 1 cup (115g) provolone.
Toppings (the fun part!) : 1 cup (150g) pepperoni, ½ cup (75g) mushrooms, ½ cup (50g) green pepper, ¼ cup (30g) black olives.

For the ground beef, try and get a good quality one. Something with a little fat in it will add to the flavour, you know?.

And the mozzarella? Fresh mozzarella is amazing but can be a bit watery, so pre-shredded is a good shout in this 9x13 Casserole Recipes .

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavor

Think Italian sunshine! Oregano and basil are non-negotiable.

Oregano + basil = Italian magic.
A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a kick, if you fancy it.
Taste as you go! Salt and pepper are your friends. Don't be shy.

If you haven't got fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic granules will do the trick.. Honestly, nobody will know! And if you are struggling with finding what to cook, don't worry because this easy family casserole dinners you can't go wrong.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this Italian casserole recipes , This Pizza casserole with ground beef is all about being straightforward.

Large skillet : For browning that beef. A Dutch oven would work too.
9x13 inch baking dish : A must for layered casserole recipes , It's where all the magic happens.
Mixing bowls : For your cheese mixture. Any bowl will do, to be honest.
Measuring cups and spoons : Get those measurements right!

If you don't have a 9x13 dish, two smaller ones will do! Honestly, it’s about making it work. Right then, let's get this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe show on the road.

Okay, let's dive into the glorious world of Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers . Honestly, who doesn't love comfort food casserole recipes ? This isn't your grandma's boring bake.

It's Casserole Pizza heaven! Think layers upon layers of cheesy goodness, all baked into one easy-to-manage dish.

Prep Like a Pro Before Your Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe

First things first, the mise en place is key, yeah? Get all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go.

Think of it like your culinary staging area. This is one of the important layered casserole recipes . Brown that ground beef and get your onion and garlic softening! This will save you a ton of time later.

Oh, and a quick safety reminder: don't forget to wash your hands after handling raw meat! It's boring, but essential.

Layering Up for Pizza Lasagna Recipe Success

Alright, here's the step-by-step to creating this masterpiece of 9x13 casserole recipes :

Brown 1 lb of ground beef and drain off that fat. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Simmer your meat sauce with the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and herbs. Let it tick away for 15 minutes , you know?
Mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan for that creamy, cheesy middle.
Layer it all in the dish: meat sauce, ricotta mix, mozzarella, and your favourite toppings. Think pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers.
Bake it at 375° F ( 190° C) for 40- 45 minutes . Look for that golden brown, bubbly top.
Rest for 10- 15 minutes before slicing. Trust me on this one.

Level Up Your Easy Family Casserole Dinners Game

Want to take your Italian casserole recipes to the next level? Try browning the beef with a splash of Worcestershire sauce it adds a nice depth of flavor.

Don't overfill the casserole dish. I've made that mistake before. The sauce bubbles over and makes a right mess. It's a pain to clean! If you want to prep this Pizza casserole with ground beef ahead of time, assemble it, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge.

Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time.

Look, baking is all about making something fun, so don't get worked up. Have a proper good time creating this masterpiece.

Recipe Notes: Your Pizza Casserole Success Guide

Alright, let’s chat about making this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers absolutely foolproof. It's more than just an easy pizza casserole recipe ; it's about building flavour! I want everyone to nail this, even if you're a bit of a newbie in the kitchen.

Honestly, even I sometimes need a bit of help! This casserole pizza will be a hit.

Serving it Up Right

Fancy plating isn’t really my thing, but hey, presentation matters a bit, right? A sprinkle of fresh basil on top makes everything look a million times better.

Trust me. Serve each slice hot, maybe with a side of garlic bread for dipping in all that lovely sauce.

And for drinks? A crisp salad, alongside a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. It's perfect, innit? This Italian casserole recipe is amazing.

Storage Solutions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Pizza Lasagna Recipe taste amazing the next day. Pop the 9x13 casserole recipes into the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

To reheat, just microwave individual slices or bake the whole thing (covered with foil) at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Freezing works too! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely before reheating, though.

Mixing It Up Casserole Style!

Feel like getting a bit creative? Go for it!

Dietary Swap: Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free pasta sheets as the base, or try cauliflower rice.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, use fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden. In the winter, roast some butternut squash and add it to the layers for a bit of sweetness. This layered casserole recipes will be amazing with your own twist. You know?

Nutrition Basics

Ok, so this isn't exactly a health food, let's be honest. However, it delivers happiness. Our comfort food casserole recipes will fill you with joy.

But, it does have protein from the beef and cheese, and some vitamins from the tomato sauce. Everything in moderation, yeah? Also, you can use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.

Think of it as fuel for a cozy evening in. This pizza casserole with ground beef is so easy to make.

Now, go forth and conquer this Easy family casserole dinners . You've got this! I promise, it'll be a hit. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the "Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers" ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble all the layers, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Just like a proper Sunday roast, a little planning goes a long way!

My casserole is browning too quickly. What should I do?

No worries, it happens! If the top of your "Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers" is browning too fast, simply tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will shield the top from the direct heat and allow the inside to cook through without burning the cheese.

Think of it like putting a hat on a sunny day to prevent a sunburn.

What are some good variations I can make to this pizza casserole?

The possibilities are endless! For a vegetarian option, skip the meat sauce and add layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. If you're feeling spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use pepperoni with a kick.

You could even try a Hawaiian version with ham and pineapple although that might be a bit controversial!

How should I store leftover pizza casserole?

Leftover pizza casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or even in a skillet. Reheating in the oven is best for maintaining the crispy top, just like reheating a takeaway pizza.

Can I freeze this Pizza Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers for later?

Yes, you can freeze it! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, you might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Perfect for those "can't be bothered to cook" evenings.

Is there anything I can substitute for the ricotta cheese?

If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese can be used in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well first to remove excess moisture, as this will prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Cream cheese, softened, can also work in a pinch, though it'll have a tangier flavour, rather like swapping cheddar for Red Leicester in a cheese toastie!