Pizza Pot Pie Recipe
Imagine all the cheesy, bubbly delight of your favorite pizza, but tucked under a golden, flaky crust that invites you to dive right in—this is Pizza Pot Pie! With layers of savory sausage (or beef), sautéed veggies, and silky pizza sauce, crowned with gooey mozzarella and a soft, crisp dough topping, this dish transforms pizza night into something cozy, comforting, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pizza Pot Pie is its balance of simple ingredients that each bring major personality to the plate. Every component serves a purpose, from the hearty protein to the fresh veggies and the crowning touch of pizza dough. Here’s what you’ll be gathering for this crave-worthy casserole:
- Italian sausage or ground beef (1 pound): Packed with flavor, this forms the hearty base—choose sausage for a kick, or beef for classic comfort.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings aromatics and just a hint of sweetness that deepens the savory notes of the filling.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Earthy, juicy, and a perfect flavor-sponge, they add depth and umami.
- Bell pepper (½ cup, diced): A pop of color and sweetness—use red, yellow, or green for cheerful contrast.
- Pizza sauce (1 ½ cups): Brings everything together with tangy, herby richness—that unmistakable pizza flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs for classic pizzeria fragrance in every bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Quick, easy garlic flavor that melds seamlessly with the other seasonings.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts to gooey perfection, stretching beautifully as you scoop in.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Salty, nutty, and essential for that signature pizza tang.
- Refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough (1 can): The easiest way to top your pie with a fluffy, golden crust—just unroll and go.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Helps your crust bake up shiny and deliciously golden.
- Optional toppings: Sliced pepperoni, black olives, or a dash of crushed red pepper add extra excitement—mix and match your favorites!
How to Make Pizza Pot Pie
Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Onion
Start by heating a skillet over medium and adding your sausage or ground beef, along with the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through. Be sure to drain off any extra fat at this stage—the filling should be rich, but not greasy!
Step 2: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and diced bell pepper, followed by the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. This lets the vegetables soften and soak up those herby flavors, setting the stage for a truly robust filling.
Step 3: Stir in Pizza Sauce
Pour the pizza sauce over your sautéed mixture and gently stir to combine. Let it bubble and simmer for a couple of minutes—just enough to heat through and let all those flavors blend together harmoniously. Once done, take it off the heat for the next stage.
Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish
Spoon the filling into oven-safe ramekins for individual servings, or spread it evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish for one big, shareable pot pie. Then, sprinkle all that glorious mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, making sure to cover the filling completely for optimal melty goodness.
Step 5: Add the Pizza Dough Crust
Unroll your refrigerated pizza or biscuit dough. Cut and shape it to fit over the tops of your ramekins or dish, letting any excess dough hang over the sides so you can seal the edges by pressing gently. Brush the crust with olive oil to encourage browning, and feel free to decorate with a few slices of pepperoni or more Parmesan for extra flair.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your pot pies into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, watching as the crust puffs up and turns golden brown. The hardest part is letting it cool just a bit before you dig in, so the filling isn’t molten hot—but it’s so worth the wait.
How to Serve Pizza Pot Pie
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dusting of extra Parmesan on top of your bubbling Pizza Pot Pie delivers a finishing pop of color, aroma, and extra oomph in every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pizza Pot Pie is honestly satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to stretch your meal, pair it with a crisp side salad drizzled with balsamic, or serve alongside garlic knots or roasted vegetables for a balanced feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want a show-stopper, bake individual Pizza Pot Pies in mini ramekins so everyone gets their own golden, puff-topped mini casserole. Or bring the whole bubbling dish to the table and let folks dig in family-style, scooping out the gooey, cheesy filling as the crust cracks open.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Pizza Pot Pie cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days—just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the crust from drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble and bake the pot pie, let it cool, then wrap well in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the crust stays flaky.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat your Pizza Pot Pie uncovered in a 350°F oven until heated through and the crust crisps up again, about 20 minutes. If you’re pressed for time, a few minutes in the microwave will work, but the crust will stay softer.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Pot Pie vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and add a medley of your favorite veggies, like sautéed spinach, zucchini, or extra mushrooms—just make sure to cook off any excess moisture before assembling to avoid a soggy bottom.
What kind of baking dish works best?
Individual, oven-safe ramekins make for charming personal portions, but a square 9×9-inch dish is perfect for a family-style experience. Both deliver bubbling, cheesy results!
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Of course! If you prefer homemade dough, roll it out to fit your baking dish or ramekin, and follow the same baking instructions for a personal touch and even more flavor.
Do I need to pre-cook my vegetables?
Yes, especially for veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Sautéing removes excess moisture, which helps keep your Pizza Pot Pie filling thick, rich, and prevents a watery base.
How can I customize the toppings?
The sky’s the limit—try adding black olives, jalapeños, spinach, or extra herbs right on top before baking. This is a fun way to let everyone tailor their own pot pie, much like choosing toppings at a pizza spot.
Final Thoughts
If you crave all the magic of pizza in a deliciously comforting, spoon-able form, Pizza Pot Pie is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and watch how quickly this cozy twist on classic pizza becomes part of your family tradition!
Print
Pizza Pot Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Pizza Pot Pie is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining all the flavors of a classic pizza in a comforting pot pie form. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner with a fun presentation.
Ingredients
Meat Filling:
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
Seasonings and Cheeses:
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Crust and Toppings:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, black olives, crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook the sausage or beef with onion until browned. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and seasonings. Stir in pizza sauce.
- Fill the Ramekins: Spoon the mixture into ramekins, top with cheeses, cover with dough, and brush with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pre-cook vegetables to avoid excess moisture in the pot pies.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more veggies or sautéed spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pot pie
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
