Description
This Upside Down Pizza Casserole combines classic pizza flavors in a comforting skillet bake. Ground Italian sausage, sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and a savory tomato sauce base are topped with biscuit dough and melted mozzarella, creating a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 small)
- 1/2 cup chopped red or green bell pepper (about 1 medium)
Seasonings and Sauce
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can mushrooms, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh basil/oregano)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup water or chicken broth
Toppings and Dough
- 1 (16-ounce) tube refrigerated biscuits
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: pepperoni slices
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, season the ground Italian sausage (or beef) along with the chopped yellow onion and bell pepper with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture until the meat is fully browned, stirring occasionally, then drain any excess fat.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in one tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the skillet to help thicken the sauce. Add the undrained can of diced tomatoes, drained mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix everything well. Pour in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water or chicken broth, stir, and let the mixture simmer until it becomes bubbly and slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat afterward.
- Add Biscuit Topping: Break the refrigerated biscuit dough into pieces and arrange them evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture in the skillet. This upside-down layering will create a biscuit crust on top once baked.
- Top with Cheese and Optional Pepperoni: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the biscuit pieces. Add pepperoni slices on top if using, for a classic pizza touch.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for 14 to 16 minutes until the biscuits turn golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice. Serve with optional grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for the sausage or use a combination for varied flavor.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can replace Italian seasoning for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer before adding the biscuit layer.
- Use chicken broth instead of water to add extra flavor.
- Make sure your skillet is ovenproof to bake directly without transferring the mixture.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold together when serving.
