I’m excited to share this tasty Bubble Up Pizza Casserole recipe with you! It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza with fluffy biscuit dough bubbles baked to perfection. Each bite is loaded with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni slices, and flavorful marinara sauce.

This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and watch it bubble up into cheesy, delicious goodness! Trust me, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

1 pound lean ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or sausage for variation)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
1 package (12 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands), cut into quarters
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (you can also use other pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc., according to your preference)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Instructions for Making Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients: To the skillet, add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly. Then, gently fold in the quartered biscuit dough pieces, making sure they are coated with the sauce mixture.

Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer half of the biscuit and meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and add a layer of pepperoni slices. Repeat the layers with the remaining biscuit mixture, cheese, and pepperoni.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits have puffed up and turned golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into portions and serve.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Experiment with Ingredients: The beauty of Bubble Up Pizza Casserole lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different pizza toppings according to your preferences. Vegetables should be sautéed beforehand to release moisture and concentrate flavors. For those who enjoy a meatier dish, consider adding cooked sausage, bacon, or ham. Vegetarians can omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Choosing the Right Biscuit Dough: The type of biscuit dough you choose can significantly affect the texture of the casserole. Look for refrigerated biscuit dough that puffs up nicely for that delightful “bubble up” effect. If you prefer a lighter texture, opt for a brand that offers flaky layers. For a more substantial bite, choose a denser biscuit dough. Ensure the dough is fresh for the best results.

Layering the Casserole: Properly layering your casserole is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Start with a layer of the meat and sauce mixture to create a flavorful base. Adding cheese between layers not only helps to bind the casserole but also ensures that every bite is cheesy. The final layer of cheese and toppings should be generous, as this will create a deliciously inviting golden-brown crust.

Baking to Perfection: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top where the biscuits have puffed up, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy at the edges. If the top is browning too quickly while the inside is still doughy, cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking until the biscuits are cooked through.

Resting Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial. This resting period lets the casserole set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart. It also gives the flavors time to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Sides: A simple green salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette or a Caesar salad makes a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich and cheesy casserole. For a more substantial side, consider garlic bread or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

Beverage Pairings: Pair your Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with beverages that complement its hearty, savory flavors. For adults, a light-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a Beaujolais can balance the richness of the cheese and meat. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or iced tea provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish.

Customizing for Kids: Kids love to customize their food, so consider serving the casserole with a variety of toppings on the side. Let them add extra cheese, pepperoni, or their favorite veggies on top of their serving. This not only makes mealtime more fun but also encourages them to eat their vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Bubble Up Pizza Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of store-bought? Absolutely! If you have a favorite biscuit recipe, you can use it in place of the refrigerated dough. Just ensure the dough is rolled or patted out to a similar thickness as the store-bought version to achieve the right cooking time and texture.

Is there a gluten-free option? For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure that all your other ingredients, including the pizza sauce and toppings, are gluten-free. There are several brands of gluten-free biscuit dough available, or you can find recipes to make your own from scratch.

How can I make the casserole more health-conscious? To make a healthier version of the casserole, choose lean meats like ground turkey or chicken. You can also increase the amount of vegetables and use a reduced-fat cheese. Another option is to use a whole wheat or grain-rich biscuit dough if available.

Why did my biscuits not “bubble up”? If the biscuits did not expand as expected, it could be due to a few reasons. First, ensure your oven is properly preheated and that the biscuit dough is fresh. Dough that is near or past its expiration date may not rise well. Also, avoid overcrowding the pieces of dough in the casserole, as they need space to expand.

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

5 from 1 vote

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a fun and easy dish that brings together the flavors of traditional pizza in a comforting casserole form.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef you can also use ground turkey or sausage for variation

1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 can 15 ounces pizza sauce
1 package 12 ounces refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands), cut into quarters
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for extra cheesiness
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni you can also use other pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc., according to your preference

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat.

Combine Ingredients: To the skillet, add the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly. Then, gently fold in the quartered biscuit dough pieces, making sure they are coated with the sauce mixture.
Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer half of the biscuit and meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and add a layer of pepperoni slices. Repeat the layers with the remaining biscuit mixture, cheese, and pepperoni.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits have puffed up and turned golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.