Description
Upside Down Pizza Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly twist on classic pizza, featuring seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all topped with a fluffy biscuit-style dough and baked to golden perfection. This easy casserole captures all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a comforting, one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are tender, then drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Season: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavor.
- Build the filling: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the beef, then layer the sliced pepperoni evenly on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pepperoni.
- Make the topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to form the biscuit-style batter.
- Add the topping: Spoon the batter carefully and evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish. It’s okay if some spots are not fully covered; the batter will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage for additional pizza toppings and to customize your casserole.
- Use your favorite brand of pizza sauce or marinara sauce for best flavor.
- For an extra cheesy taste, mix in provolone or cheddar cheese with the mozzarella before topping the casserole.
- Letting the casserole rest briefly after baking makes it easier to slice neatly and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
