You ever have one of those days where all you want is something warm, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying, but also don’t want to wait an hour and a half for takeout or mess with rolling out dough? This is that recipe.
This Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is the type of meal you make when you want pizza night energy without the pizza night fuss. You’re tossing together a few simple ingredients—most of which you probably already have—and ending up with something that tastes like pure comfort. It’s bubbly, melty, golden on top, and packed with all the pizza flavor you love.
It’s also ridiculously easy to customize. Got picky eaters? Add what they like. Want more protein? Easy fix. Looking for something that still works on your healthier days? Yep, we’ll cover that too. But for now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this happen.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to pull this off:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef or turkey | 1 lb | Use turkey for a leaner version |
| Bell peppers | 2 medium, diced | Any color works |
| Pizza sauce | 1 (14 oz) jar | Choose one without added sugar for a healthier take |
| Refrigerated biscuit dough | 1 (16 oz) can | Quarter the biscuits for even “bubble up” texture |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1½ cups shredded | Go for part-skim if you’re watching calories |
| Turkey pepperoni | 1½ oz | Or use regular, or skip for vegetarian version |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Optional but recommended |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Optional flavor boost |
It’s a short list. And a fun one, too. The kind of list you glance at and think, “Yep, I can totally make this tonight.”
Tools You’ll Need
No fancy kitchen equipment here. Just basics.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Oven mitts (because you like your fingers unburnt)
How to Make Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish so nothing sticks. Set that aside. This dish is going to hold all the magic.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef or turkey, break it up with a spatula, and cook until it’s fully browned. If you’re using a fattier cut, you might want to drain off the excess fat.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced bell peppers directly to the skillet with the meat. Let them cook down for about 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. You’re building flavor here, so don’t rush this part.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour in the pizza sauce and give everything a good stir until it’s well combined. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper if using. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Prep the Biscuits
Open the biscuit dough (deep breath, you got this), and cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. These little guys are what give the “bubble up” effect when they bake.
Gently fold the biscuit pieces into the meat and sauce mixture until each one is nicely coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer everything into your greased baking dish. Spread it out so the biscuit pieces are relatively even. Top with shredded mozzarella and layer on the pepperoni.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden and the cheese is beautifully melted.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the whole thing a chance to set and makes scooping way easier.
Pro Tips
These tips will help your first try feel like your tenth.
- Quarter the biscuits evenly
Uneven cuts can mean some biscuits cook through while others stay raw in the center. Aim for equal sizes. - Use pre-cooked toppings
Raw veggies (especially mushrooms or onions) can release too much water. Sauté first to avoid sogginess. - Watch the oven
Every oven is different. Start checking at the 25-minute mark. If the top looks golden and set, you’re good. - Rest before slicing
It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it sit makes everything easier to serve—and enjoy. - Add cheese in layers
A little cheese in the middle gives you that gooey, pull-apart magic throughout the dish—not just on top.
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s say you want to change it up. Here’s how.
| Swap This | For This | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey or Italian sausage | Leaner or spicier, your pick |
| Biscuit dough | Pizza dough or crescent rolls | Less fluffy, more traditional pizza vibe |
| Mozzarella | Provolone, cheddar, or vegan cheese | Adjust to dietary needs or flavor preference |
| Pepperoni | Sautéed mushrooms or spinach | Vegetarian-friendly and still full of flavor |
| Pizza sauce | Marinara or even BBQ sauce | Flavor twist! Just adjust other toppings to match |
Make-Ahead Tips
If you like being a little extra prepared, here’s how to do it:
- Assemble Ahead: Put everything together in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
- Pre-Cook & Freeze: Cook the meat and veggie mix in advance. Freeze it. When you’re ready, thaw it, mix in the biscuits and cheese, and bake fresh.
Nutrition Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)
Let’s say you slice this into 6 servings. Here’s roughly what you’re looking at per slice:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 355 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
This will vary based on the brand of ingredients you use, but it gives you a solid idea.
Storage and Leftovers
This reheats like a dream.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and microwave until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
- Microwave Tip: Add a splash of water or cover with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out when reheating.
FAQ
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Totally. Just make sure it’s soft enough to puff up when baked and cut into small chunks.
What if I don’t like pepperoni?
No problem. Use cooked sausage, bacon bits, or more veggies.
Is this good for kids?
Yes! It’s super kid-friendly. You can even let them help with adding the toppings.
Can I double the recipe?
Yep, but use two baking dishes to ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd one.
Will this work with gluten-free dough?
Yes, just check baking time. Gluten-free doughs sometimes need a little longer.
Wrap Up
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to make a meal that feels like a hug in casserole form, this is it. Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is fun, flexible, and honestly just a great way to bring a little joy to the dinner table—especially when you’re short on time or energy.
If you try it, drop a comment and let me know how it turned out for you. Did you switch up the toppings? Add a secret ingredient? I want to hear it all. And if you’ve got questions, toss those in the comments too. I’m happy to help.
Happy cooking. And even happier eating.
