Cauliflower Pizza Casserole

The basic recipe for this is all over the place, and I immediately saw possibilities for improving it quite a bit, so I claim this as entirely my own at this point.

This actually was really good, and I think it should freeze well, making it a great leftover dish as well.

Make your own changes as your pizza desires move you.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped up into bite-size pieces and placed in a bowl with about 1/2 c of water and microwave until just pierceable by a fork. Drain and cool. 
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 c diced mushrooms
• 1 c diced green pepper
• 21 pieces of pepperoni, divided 12 and 9
• 1- 1 1/2 c cauliflower "crumbles" either taken from the original head or bought separately
• 2 tsp dried oregano (or 2 tbsp fresh)
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 c beef broth
• 1 1/2 c cream
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella + 2 more cups

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the head of cauliflower as directed. 
2. Put the onion, mushrooms and green pepper into a saute pan with a bit of EVOO and saute until softened and translucent. Set aside.
3. Place the 12 pieces of pepperoni in a food processor and whirr until minced. Add the crumbles, oregano, garlic and pepper flakes and pulse until well mixed. 
4. In a sauce pan, melt the butter, add the broth and cream, stirring and bring to a boil. Boil on low for about 10 minutes, then add the cornstarch and mix in well. As it thickens, add the first of the 2 cups of cheese. Melt the cheese and mix well. 
5. Add salt and pepper to the cheese sauce to taste. 
6. Butter a casserole dish.
7. Spread the microwaved cauliflower over the bottom.
8. Add the onion/mushroom/sweet pepper mixture to the top and spread evenly.
9. Pour the cheese sauce over all and spread around. It will be pretty thick. 
10. Cover the top with the remaining 9 pepperoni (use more or less depending on the shape of your casserole)
11. Cover the entire thing with the last 2 cups of cheese.
12. Place in a 350 oven for about 50 minutes or until bubbly. (covered with foil)

SERVES: 6

NOTES: Change any of the veggies depending on how you like your pizza. Tomatoes are fine, but they will provide more liquid into the casserole so be careful. Use sausage, bacon, hamburger etc for the meats, and other veggies if you desire. 

SOURCE: Sherry Peyton