This deep-dish casserole combines a meatball sandwich and pizza in one dish. Saucy meatballs and chopped pepperoni are layered between fresh bread dough and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying dinner, party appetizer, or game-day snack.
Even though the holidays are over, winter calls for warm, comforting meals. I created this dish that blends the flavors of a hearty meatball sandwich with a deep-dish pizza. The result is meaty, cheesy, and comforting — something the whole family will love.
This Meatball Sandwich Pizza is in the spirit of popular slider-style casseroles, but it’s made with fresh roll dough that bakes right in with the filling — warm, homemade bread straight from the oven makes this dish extra special.
The filling includes Parmesan mixed in with the meatballs and sauce, and then an additional blend of cheeses on top for a melted, golden finish. It’s a simple, indulgent casserole that delivers classic Italian-American flavors.
This recipe is family-friendly and works well for casual dinners or as a hearty game-day food. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to assemble and bakes into a satisfying, shareable casserole.
Meatball Sandwich Pizza
Ingredients
- 24 Rhodes Yeast Dinner Rolls, thawed almost to room temperature
- 32 frozen fully cooked Italian-style meatballs
- 14 oz jar pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups grated pizza cheese blend (cheddar and mozzarella)
Instructions
- Cut each roll in half. Press half of the cut rolls into 3-inch circles and arrange them in 4 rows of 6 on the bottom of a sprayed 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing together so the bottom is fully covered.
- Combine pizza sauce and frozen meatballs in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave about 8 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and meatballs are thawed through. Add chopped pepperoni and mix well. Pour the mixture evenly over the dough base. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Flatten the remaining dough halves and place them on top of the filling in 4 rows of 6. Cover the pan with sprayed plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it doubles in height.
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake at 350°F for 12 to 18 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring the dough bakes through. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the pizza cheese blend over the top, and bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
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