This Quick Upside-Down Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, transforming it into a hearty casserole that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Layers of seasoned ground beef, onions, mozzarella cheese, and tangy spaghetti sauce are topped with a fluffy biscuit mix batter, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that serves 6–8.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
30 minREADY
45 min
Chef Tips
- No Bisquick? No problem!: Easy Homemade Bisquick Biscuit Mix
- Drain Beef Thoroughly: Excess fat can make the casserole greasy. Use lean ground beef (85% or higher) and drain well after cooking.
- Even Layering: Spread each layer evenly to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ovens vary, so use an oven thermometer if possible. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Optional Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the beef or use a spicy spaghetti sauce.
- Meat Lovers: Mix in ½ cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni slices with the beef.
- Veggie Boost: Stir ½ cup chopped bell peppers or sliced olives into the spaghetti sauce before layering.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute mozzarella with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Soggy Topping: Ensure the biscuit batter is evenly spread and not too thin. Avoid opening the oven door frequently to maintain consistent heat.
- Uneven Cooking: Use a 9×13-inch dish for proper layering and baking. Smaller dishes may require longer cooking times and lead to uneven results.
- Overly Salty Dish: Taste your spaghetti sauce beforehand, as some brands are saltier. Adjust the added salt if needed.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole. Set aside.
- Prepare Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the biscuit baking mix, eggs, and milk until smooth (about 1–2 minutes). The batter should be pourable but slightly thick, similar to pancake batter.
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion over the beef.
- Season with garlic salt, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce over the cheese, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover.
- Carefully pour the biscuit batter over the sauce, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the batter for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Scoop portions onto plates, ensuring each serving includes all layers. Serve warm.
Comments
