Description
Mediterranean-inspired loaded pizza bake delivers comfort with layers of savory ingredients and melted cheese. Fresh herbs and crispy edges make this dish irresistible for weekend gatherings or family dinners you will crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (lean)
- 1 lb (454 g) sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup (150 g) pepperoni (chopped)
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 3 tbsps (15 g) Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 26-oz (737 g) tomato basil pasta sauce
- 1 13.8-oz (391 g) pizza crust dough (refrigerated)
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking for 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and mix in Italian seasoning and pepperoni, coating evenly with a light dusting of flour.
- Sauce Development: Integrate tomato basil pasta sauce into the meat mixture, simmering for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops rich flavors. Remove from heat and transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even foundation.
- Cheese and Crust Layer: Spread a layer of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce. Carefully unroll pizza crust dough, stretching to cover the entire dish. Brush the surface with olive oil and sprinkle additional Italian seasoning for enhanced aromatics.
- Initial Baking Phase: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden-brown and crisp. Remove from oven and generously top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Final Melting Stage: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a bubbly, appetizing surface. Let the pizza bake rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef and sausage for balanced flavor and reduced grease, ensuring a healthier dish.
- Seasoning Strategy: Distribute Italian seasoning evenly throughout the recipe for consistent, robust taste in every bite.
- Crust Handling: Gently stretch refrigerated pizza dough to cover the entire surface without tearing, creating a perfect base layer.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Allow final cheese layer to become golden and bubbly for maximum flavor and appealing presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 502
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1125 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg