Description
This Pizza Pot Pie is a delightful twist on classic pizza, featuring a savory meat and vegetable filling topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, all encased in a golden, flaky pizza dough crust. Individually portioned and baked to perfection, it’s a comforting meal perfect for pizza lovers looking for a fun and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dough and Finishing
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking your pot pies.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage or ground beef until browned and cooked through, draining any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dishes: Lightly grease 4 oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes with cooking spray or butter for easy release.
- Assemble Filling: Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture into the ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Add Dough Topping: Cut the pizza dough into rounds slightly larger than the tops of the ramekins. Place the dough over the filling, pressing the edges around the rim of each dish to seal.
- Vent Dough: Cut a small slit in the center of each dough top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pot pies to cool slightly for safe handling and serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative to make a vegetarian version.
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings such as olives, banana peppers, or cooked bacon for extra flavor.
