Upside-down Pizza Casserole

Upside-down Pizza Casserole Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 17 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Upside-down Pizza Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of a traditional pizza in a convenient casserole form. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

History

The Upside-down Pizza Casserole is a modern twist on the classic pizza recipe. By layering the ingredients in a casserole dish and topping it with biscuits, this dish creates a unique and tasty meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) of lean ground beef
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) of Italian-style tomato sauce
1 can (4 oz / 113 g) of sliced mushrooms, drained
0.25 cup of sliced pitted ripe olives (optional)
1 to 1.5 cups (4 to 6 oz / 170 g) of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package (10 oz / 283 g) of refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a large skillet, cook the beef until it is brown.
Drain off the fat.
Stir in the tomato sauce, mushrooms, and olives (if using).
Heat the mixture through.
Transfer the mixture to a 2 qt (1.89 liter) rectangular baking dish.
Sprinkle the cheese on top.
Flatten each biscuit with your hands.
Arrange the biscuits on top of the cheese.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the biscuits are golden.

Variations

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, or onions.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain off any excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences. You can add your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, or onions.

- Be sure to flatten the biscuits before placing them on top of the casserole to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Upside-down Pizza Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is baking. Be sure to preheat the oven to the specified temperature and bake the casserole until the biscuits are golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have refrigerated biscuits, you can use pizza dough or crescent roll dough as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Upside-down Pizza Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Upside-down Pizza Casserole directly from the baking dish for a rustic and cozy presentation. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Upside-down Pizza Casserole with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Upside-down Pizza Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Upside-down Pizza Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Upside-down Pizza Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Upside-down Pizza Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Upside-down Pizza Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Upside-down Pizza Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (biscuits). It may also contain soy (from the tomato sauce).

Summary

Upside-down Pizza Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Upside-down Pizza Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza that is sure to please the whole family. With its layers of savory beef, tomato sauce, cheese, and biscuits, this casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any night of the week.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had been flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend, Margaret. Margaret was known for her delicious homemade dishes, and I had always admired her culinary skills. As I turned the pages of the cookbook, a recipe caught my eye - Upside-down Pizza Casserole.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients intrigued me. The combination of ground beef, marinara sauce, veggies, and cheese sounded like a comforting and hearty meal. I immediately decided to give it a try. Little did I know that this recipe would become a family favorite for years to come.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen. The aroma of garlic and onions sautéing filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as I layered the casserole with slices of pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms. I topped it all off with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and popped it into the oven to bake.

As the casserole cooked, my husband wandered into the kitchen, drawn in by the delicious scent wafting through the house. He peeked into the oven and exclaimed, "What on earth are you making, darling? It smells amazing!" I explained the recipe to him, and he eagerly anticipated trying this new creation.

When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the casserole from the oven. The cheese was bubbling and golden, and the aroma was irresistible. I couldn't wait to dig in and see how this unique dish turned out. As I cut into the casserole and served it up on our plates, my husband took his first bite and his eyes widened in delight. "This is incredible! It's like a pizza and a casserole all in one. You've really outdone yourself, my dear," he praised me.

From that moment on, Upside-down Pizza Casserole became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, I would proudly serve this dish, and it never failed to impress. My children grew up loving this casserole, and it became a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. I have passed this recipe down to my daughters and granddaughters, who have also fallen in love with the flavors and simplicity of Upside-down Pizza Casserole.

One of my fondest memories involving this dish was when my grandson, Tommy, came over for a visit. Tommy was a picky eater and often turned his nose up at new foods. However, when I served him a slice of Upside-down Pizza Casserole, his eyes lit up with curiosity. He took a tentative bite, and his face broke into a smile. "This is so good, Grandma! Can I have seconds?" he exclaimed.

I was overjoyed to see Tommy enjoying the casserole so much. It was a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I knew that this recipe would continue to be a part of our family for generations to come.

As I sit here reminiscing about the first time I discovered Upside-down Pizza Casserole, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. Food has a way of connecting us to our past, creating new traditions, and bringing joy to those we care about. I am grateful for the many recipes I have collected over the years, but Upside-down Pizza Casserole will always hold a special place in my heart.