The first time I made this pizza pot pie, I thought I’d dish up a neat little scoop and save the rest for later, spoiler alert: I absolutely went back for seconds (and yes, maybe thirds). It’s that kind of comfort food. The skillet comes out bubbling and golden, with the buttery crust puffed up just right, hiding away all the saucy goodness underneath like a surprise gift. Dig in, and you’re met with layers of rich pizza sauce, tender bites of seasoned meat, and veggies that soak up all that flavor, tangled with strings of mozzarella that stretch in the most satisfying way. It’s warm, cozy, and honestly feels a little indulgent, like pizza night grew up and decided to wear a flaky crust instead of a cardboard box.
What really makes this fun is how much you can play around with it. The night I added extra provolone under the crust, it turned into this gooey, creamy bite of heaven. Another time, I tossed in mushrooms and caramelized onions, and it went full “pizzeria special.” You can keep it simple with pepperoni and mozzarella, or pile in peppers, sausage, and spinach if you’re feeling bold. However you build it, it’s hands-down one of those dishes where everyone ends up lingering for “just one more scoop.” Honestly? It’s pizza comfort food at its best, familiar but somehow even better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this quick and delicious pizza pot pie so good is the perfect balance of textures and flavors:
Cheesy, melty layers: Generous amounts of mozzarella and provolone melt beautifully into the sauce for that irresistible pizza pull.
Rich pizza filling: A mix of pizza sauce, sautéed onions, peppers, and seasoned ground beef creates bold, hearty flavors in every bite.
Golden, buttery crust: Flaky crescent dough or biscuit dough bakes into a crisp yet tender topping that soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
Endlessly customizable: Swap proteins, toss in your favorite toppings, or add extra cheese for a completely personalized pot pie.
One-skillet convenience: Everything comes together in a single oven-safe skillet, making prep and cleanup simple and stress-free.
Want to make it extra indulgent? Brush the crust with garlic butter before baking and sprinkle with parmesan and Italian seasoning for an aromatic finish.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef, sausage, or a mix
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Layer:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone or cheddar
- ½ cup grated parmesan
For the Crust:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent dough or biscuit dough
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings:
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced black olives
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra parmesan for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pizza Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms if using. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Build the Sauce Base
Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and deepen the flavors.
3. Layer the Cheesy Goodness
Remove the skillet from the heat and evenly sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan over the filling. If adding pepperoni or extra toppings, arrange them now for a loaded, pizzeria-style bite.
4. Add the Crust
Unroll the crescent dough or biscuit dough and gently place it over the filling, stretching it to cover the edges. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
5. Bake Until Golden
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes or until the crust is puffed, golden, and slightly crisp.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the pot pie rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheesy layers to set. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving warm.
Quick & Delicious Pizza Pot Pie
Ingredients
For the Pizza Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef sausage, or a mix
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers diced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced (optional)
- 3 cups pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Layer:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone or cheddar
- ½ cup grated parmesan
For the Crust:
- 1 can refrigerated crescent dough or biscuit dough
- 1 tbsp melted butter for brushing
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings:
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced black olives
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and sauté vegetables in an oven-safe skillet.
- Stir in pizza sauce, seasonings, and simmer until thickened.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan over the filling.
- Cover with crescent dough, brush with butter, and season.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Rest, garnish, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Layer ricotta or cream cheese under the crust for creaminess.
- Spicy twist: Add jalapeños, spicy sausage, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the filling ahead of time, refrigerate, and top with dough just before baking.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pizza pot pie alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. For a cozy weekend meal, pair it with sparkling soda, iced tea, or a chilled glass of lemonade to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
Final Thoughts
Quick and delicious pizza pot pie combines everything you love about pizza into one bubbling, golden, and cheesy skillet dish. It’s simple, flexible, and perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Every slice delivers saucy comfort and melty goodness, making it a recipe you’ll want on repeat.
