Homemade Pizza CasseroleIngredientsThe Dough:3 cups All-purpose flour.1 tbsp Instant yeast.1 tbsp Sugar (to feed the yeast).1 tsp Salt.1/4 cup Olive oil (for that crispy, golden crust).1 cup Warm water (adjust as needed for a soft dough).The Toppings:1 cup Thick pizza sauce (seasoned with oregano and basil).1 lb Ground Italian sausage or beef (browned and drained).2-3 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded.1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese (this gives it that beautiful orange-gold color in the photo).A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and dried oregano for the finish.InstructionsMake the Dough: Mix the dry ingredients, then add the oil and warm water. Knead until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until doubled in size.Prep the Pans: Grease two round aluminum pans (like the ones in the photo) or cake pans generously with olive oil or butter.The Base: Press the dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pans to create a “crust wall” to hold all those toppings.Layering (The Secret): * Start with a thin layer of cheese directly on the dough (this prevents the crust from getting soggy).Spread a thick layer of pizza sauce.Add your cooked sausage or ground meat.Top it off with a heavy layer of the Mozzarella and Cheddar blend.Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and charred in spots.”Betty’s” Pro-Tip:For that authentic deep-dish crunch, sprinkle a little cornmeal on the bottom of the greased pan before pressing in the dough. It adds a professional texture that makes people think you ordered from a high-end pizzeria!
Homemade Pizza Casserole
