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Weeknight dinners need to be quick but still feel special and comforting This Bisquick Impossible Pizza Pie does exactly that Pizza flavors everyone loves with almost no shaping dough to fuss over Savory beef gooey cheese and a golden topping all in one pan make it almost too easy and it is a crowd pleaser every single time it hits the table
I whipped this up on a night when delivery was an hour wait and now my spouse actually requests it over takeout Pizza night has gotten so much easier
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose an 80 to 85 percent lean blend for best flavor without being greasy
- Diced onion: Adds natural sweetness and balances the savoriness If using sweet onions or yellow onions either works
- Salt and pepper: Brings out flavors Taste your beef so you do not underseason
- Paprika Italian seasoning Onion powder: Create that signature pizza shop flavor Smoked paprika adds an extra touch if you like
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle heat adjust for your family
- Minced garlic: Fresh or jarred both work just make sure the garlic is fragrant for maximum flavor
- Marinara sauce: A tomato base is essential Use a brand you love or homemade for fresh taste
- Chopped pepperoni: Real pizza bite comes from these Try for the small cupandchar kind if possible
- Bisquick: This is what makes it "impossible" and gives structure Stick with the classic mix for consistent results
- Eggs: Bind the topping for a custardy finish Local or free range eggs give a rich flavor
- Milk: Full fat or twopercent works best for a tender crust
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Buy a block and shred for meltier texture prebagged sometimes has extra starch
- Extra pepperoni for topping: Makes it look and taste like true pizza
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- Cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until meat is browned and onions are translucent This usually takes about 67 minutes Take your time so the onion softens well and the beef develops a full flavor
- Season the Beef:
- Sprinkle in the salt pepper paprika Italian seasoning onion powder and crushed red pepper flakes Stir thoroughly so all the beef is well coated with spice Let this cook 1 more minute This step is your major flavor boost
- Cook Pepperoni and Drain:
- Toss chopped pepperoni into the skillet with the beef Let it cook 23 minutes so the pepperoni releases its oil and aroma Flavor will deepen now Drain away excess grease very well so the pie does not end up oily
- Add Marinara and Garlic:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and minced garlic Stir everything together until fully combined Remove the pan from heat so nothing scorches or overcooks at this point
- Prep the Bisquick Topping:
- In a separate bowl whisk the Bisquick eggs and milk smoothly together No lumps You want a batter the consistency of pancake mix This is your magic top layer
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spray your pie pan generously with cooking spray No sticking here Layer half the beef mixture evenly on the bottom Sprinkle over one cup of shredded mozzarella Top with the rest of the beef and another cup of cheese Do not press down Just layer gently
- Add Bisquick Mixture and Decorate:
- Pour the Bisquick batter evenly all over the beef and cheese making sure it coats everything Top with additional slices of pepperoni to taste
- Bake to Golden Finish:
- Put the pie into a preheated 400 degree oven Bake for about 25 minutes The top will turn deep golden and a tester should come out clean from the center Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for neat pieces
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My favorite part is always the crispy edges around the pan where the cheesy Bisquick topping meets the pepperoni Growing up my mom used to make the "impossible pies" and I finally dared try my own spin Now this is the most requested dish at our family meetups I love how the kitchen always smells like pizza parlor
Storage tips
Let leftovers cool to room temperature then cover and store in the fridge for up to four days To freeze wrap slices individually so you can grabandgo For reheating use the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness The microwave works but the topping will be softer
Ingredient substitutions
If you want a lighter version swap in ground turkey or even crumbled cooked sausage Veggie lovers can use plantbased grounds or finely diced mushrooms for a hearty meatfree option You can also stir in bell peppers or olives with the beef Pepperjack cheese or cheddar make bold flavor swaps if you are out of mozzarella
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Serving suggestions
Serve this with a quick green salad or roasted broccoli on the side A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end is a vibrant touch In our house it is a party food too Sometimes I slice it into squares for a buffet spread at game nights
Cultural and historical context
The Impossible Pie idea came from Bisquick’s recipe box in the 1970s A clever hack to avoid pie crust this method swept home kitchens across America Thanks to the layered flavors and nostalgic factor it is become a new classic with endless possibilities
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter, leaner option. Adjust seasoning to taste for added flavor.
- → What can I substitute for Bisquick?
You can use other all-purpose baking mixes or create a quick substitute with flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of softened butter.
- → Do I need to pre-cook the pepperoni?
The sliced pepperoni is added to the cooked beef mixture and also as a topping, so it will heat and crisp up during baking.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking, or bake ahead and reheat individual slices when ready to serve.
- → Is this dish gluten-free friendly?
Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick and verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Mozzarella provides classic melting texture, but cheddar or a mozzarella-cheddar blend can add richer flavor.