Cheesy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole Recipe

Craving a delicious and effortless dinner option that will have your family asking for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Bubble Up Pizza Casserole! Picture this: seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty pizza sauce baked together with fluffy biscuit dough that puffs up to perfection. The result? A comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that captures all the flavors of a classic pizza in a simple casserole form.

I stumbled upon this Bubble Up Pizza Casserole years ago when faced with a pizza night dilemma, and it has since become a beloved go-to in my household. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – whether it’s for a casual family dinner, a team gathering, or a cozy night in, this casserole never fails to impress. And the best part? It’s a breeze to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into a dish that will soon earn a top spot in your recipe rotation!

Quick Benefits

• Convenient and time-saving alternative to traditional pizza, with minimal effort required
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, making it a popular choice for family dinners and gatherings
• Versatile recipe with options for customization, such as adding different toppings or sauces to suit various preferences
• Adaptable dish that can be served with simple sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Pizza Cravings: Satisfies your pizza cravings with half the effort of making traditional pizza.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters and a hit with kids – great for family dinners or feeding a hungry basketball team.
• Unique Doughy Pockets: The refrigerated biscuits puff up during baking, creating amazing doughy pockets throughout the casserole.
• Versatile: Customize to your liking with different meats, cheeses, and toppings for endless flavor variations.
• Simple Ingredients: Common pantry and fridge staples make this an easy and convenient meal to throw together.
• Friday Night Tradition: Make it a fun Friday night tradition with your family, involving kids in the preparation process.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or camping trips – it’s a versatile dish that everyone will love.
• Adaptable and Foolproof: A staple recipe that’s adaptable and foolproof, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Hits all the comfort food notes with a cheesy top layer and soft, sauce-soaked biscuits underneath.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole Recipe

For the Casserole

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 package (12 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands), cut into quarters
• 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make Cheesy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook Meat Mixture

Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Create Sauce

Mix pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture until well combined.

Step 4: Mix in Biscuits

Carefully mix the quartered biscuit dough pieces into the sauce mixture until coated evenly.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Layer half of the biscuit and meat mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and pepperoni. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Bake

Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits are puffed up, golden brown, and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for approximately 5 minutes before cutting to ensure easier serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have cooked and enjoyed the delicious Bubble Up Pizza Casserole, storing the leftovers is easy. Simply transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. During this time, the biscuits may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you have a couple of reheating options. You can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole by covering it with foil and placing it in a preheated 325°F oven for about 20 minutes. Avoid freezing the Bubble Up Pizza Casserole, as the texture of the biscuits can become strange when thawed. By following these simple storage and reheating guidelines, you can continue to enjoy this flavorful casserole for a few more meals after the initial serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a lighter version of this Bubble Up Pizza Casserole, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken sausage. These alternatives will provide a leaner option while still giving you the savory flavors that complement the pizza-inspired dish. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground “meat” or a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms as a delicious substitute for the meat component.

For those looking to customize the flavor profile of this casserole, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Instead of mozzarella and cheddar, try using provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist. You can also add in some grated Parmesan for a nutty and salty kick. Don’t be afraid to mix and match cheeses based on your preferences or what you have available in your fridge. Remember, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, so feel free to get creative with your cheese choices to elevate the taste of your Bubble Up Pizza Casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Bubble Up Pizza Casserole into a festive party dish by serving it in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This not only adds a touch of elegance to the presentation but also allows guests to have their mini personal-sized portion. Top each serving with a fresh basil leaf for a pop of color and a burst of herbaceous flavor.

For a fun twist on traditional pizza night, turn your Bubble Up Pizza Casserole into a build-your-own pizza bar! Set out bowls of additional toppings like diced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and pineapple for guests to customize their casserole before baking. Kids will love creating their unique combinations, and it’s a fantastic way to get everyone involved in the meal preparation. Serve with a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as marinara, ranch, and BBQ, to elevate the pizza experience even further.

FAQs for Cheesy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this bubble up pizza casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce instead of canned?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza sauce if you prefer. Just make sure it’s a similar consistency to canned pizza sauce to ensure the right balance of flavors and moisture in the casserole.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version of this bubble up pizza casserole by omitting the ground meat and doubling up on vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or adding meat substitutes like crumbled tofu or plant-based sausage.

Conclusion

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is truly a crowd-pleaser, and I hope it brings as much joy to your family and friends as it has to mine. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a go-to option for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to potluck gatherings. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and sauces to suit your preferences or use up ingredients in your fridge – the possibilities are endless!

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and sharing delicious meals with loved ones. So gather around the table, savor each cheesy, bubbly bite of your Bubble Up Pizza Casserole, and create lasting memories with those who matter most. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of good food. Cheers to many more delicious meals and moments shared over this comforting and satisfying casserole!

Cheesy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole Recipe

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole: A crowd-pleasing, easy dinner with fluffy biscuit pockets, cheesy layers, and classic pizza flavors that even picky eaters will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 package (12 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands), cut into quarters
• 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook Meat Mixture: Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
3. Create Sauce: Mix pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture until well combined.
4. Mix in Biscuits: Carefully mix the quartered biscuit dough pieces into the sauce mixture until coated evenly.
5. Assemble Casserole: Layer half of the biscuit and meat mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and pepperoni. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits are puffed up, golden brown, and cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for approximately 5 minutes before cutting to ensure easier serving.