This easy cheesy pizza casserole is the perfect comfort-food dinner for busy weeknights. With layers of soft, fluffy dough, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory toppings, it delivers all the flavors of classic pizza in a simple baked dish. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and ideal for feeding a crowd. The recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a great option for meal prep or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
For the base:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the topping:
• 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or cooked ground beef (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add milk and oil, then mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, covering the entire surface.
- Add toppings such as pepperoni or cooked beef if desired.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Add oregano and basil for extra flavor.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before cutting it into squares.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza casserole pairs perfectly with simple sides such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a party dish, game-day snack, or quick family dinner. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat beautifully in an oven or air fryer.