Why You’ll Love this Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole
You’re going to love this Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole! It’s warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor!
Imagine sinking your fork into layers of meatballs, gooey mozzarella, and crispy crust. The best part? It’s super easy to make.
Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner ready in no time. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you for this one!
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole?
Ah, the beauty of a Casserole! This Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole is a game-changer for family dinners and gatherings. You’ve got juicy meatballs, gooey cheese, and that delightful pizza crust melding together to create a dish that’s not just comforting, but downright delicious.
If you’re dreaming about a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds), then this is it. So, what do you need to whip up this cheesy creation? Let’s break it down.
Ingredients
- Easy Basic Meatballs (1 recipe)
- 2 cans (11 oz. each) refrigerated thin crust pizza dough
- 1 jar (14 oz.) CLASSICO Traditional Pizza Sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
- 1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA
- 1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
Now, on to some important considerations about these ingredients. First off, if you’re not a fan of ground beef and pork, remember you can mix and match your meat! Ground turkey or chicken could easily slide into this dish—just keep an eye on those cooking times since they can differ.
Plus, you can totally riff on the veggies; maybe throw in some mushrooms or onions if that’s what floats your boat. And hey, speaking of improvising, if you’re feeling fancy and have a deep love for extra cheese (who doesn’t?), go ahead and add more mozzarella between the layers for that ultimate cheese pull.
Just be careful—the last thing anyone wants is a casserole that explodes with cheese at first bite! Trust me, that can lead to embarrassing clean-up sessions.
It’s all about making this Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole your own. Happy cooking!
How to Make this Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole
Making Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole is like crafting a hug in a baking dish—everyone’s going to love it. Start by getting your oven heated up to a toasty 400 degrees F. You’ll want to have your Easy Basic Meatballs at the ready, which calls for 1 pound each of extra-lean ground beef and ground pork.
Shape these flavorful hunks of meat into 24 beautiful, 2-inch meatballs—just think of them as little orbs of happiness. Bake those bad boys for about 15 minutes, or until they hit that magic temperature of 160 degrees F. Don’t worry if there’s a bit of mess; kitchen chaos is just a part of the adventure, right?
Once your meatballs are gloriously browned and fragrant, grab those 2 cans (11 oz. each) of refrigerated thin crust pizza dough. Unroll the first one and gently press it into the bottom of a generously greased 13×9-inch pan.
Now, let that pizza sauce—1 jar (14 oz.) of CLASSICO Traditional Pizza Sauce—work its magic. Spread half of it evenly over the dough. Next up, time for those meatballs: arrange them in 4 rows of 6. It’s like a meatball parade.
Top it all off with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle on half a cup of chopped green peppers, followed by a melty 1-1/2 cups of KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA and 1/4 cup of KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese because, let’s be real, you can never have too much cheese.
Finally, roll out the second pizza dough and lay it gently over that cheesy, meaty masterpiece. Take a fork and pierce it at 2-1/2-inch intervals—this will help prevent a pizza dough explosion, and trust me, nobody wants that kind of drama.
Slide the casserole into the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes. Just imagine the cheesy, bubbly goodness that awaits. When the timer dings, and you’re greeted with a golden-brown top, resist the urge to dive in right away. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing so you don’t burn your mouth.
Your family and friends will gather around, eager for a bite—and who knows, it might just become a household favorite. If you’re planning to make large batches for restaurant service, investing in a professional deep fryer can help you achieve perfectly cooked meatballs with consistent results every time.
Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, there are plenty of fun ways to switch up your Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole!
You can try using ground turkey or veggie crumbles for a lighter option. Swap in your favorite pizza toppings like olives or mushrooms!
And don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses; cheddar or pepper jack can add a nice kick! Enjoy!
What to Serve with Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole
After you’ve whipped up your Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole, you’ll definitely want some tasty sides to go with it!
I love to serve it with a crisp Caesar salad and buttery garlic bread! You can toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan.
For the bread, melt some butter, mix in garlic powder, and spread it on slices for toasting!
Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just looking for a cozy dinner, I think you’re going to love this Cheesy Meatball Pizza Casserole! It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor! After layering gooey mozzarella and savory meatballs, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to please everyone. Give it a try, and I promise, you’ll want to make it again! Enjoy!
