Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pizza casserole is everything your kids love about pizza, but with the added bonus of a hearty, baked casserole. Combining macaroni, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, it’s a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to any dietary preferences—whether you want to add vegetables or switch up the protein, this casserole can be customized to fit your needs. The whole family will love this comforting, cheesy dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (14 ounce) jar pizza sauce
- 1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, about 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, macaroni, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and sliced mushrooms.
- Layer half of the macaroni mixture into a 9×12-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining macaroni mixture and cover with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let the casserole cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Additional time: 5 minutes for cooling
- Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and substitute with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a lighter version.
- Add Pepperoni or Sausage: If you want to mimic your favorite pizza toppings, add pepperoni slices or Italian sausage to the casserole for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and make sure the pizza and tomato sauces are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes! You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would make a leaner option and still taste great in this casserole.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, onions, or even spinach to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
6. How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the ground beef mixture.
7. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.
8. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare individual portions in containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
9. Can I double the recipe to serve more people?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
10. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, fresh mushrooms will work just as well. Just slice and sauté them before adding to the casserole.
Conclusion
This Kid’s Favorite Pizza Casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that both kids and adults will love. With its comforting mix of cheese, ground beef, and pizza flavors, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix things up with some creative variations, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite for years to come!
Kid’s Favorite Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and kid-friendly dinner made with macaroni, ground beef, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a one-pan meal that is comforting, cheesy, and loved by all.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
1 (14 ounce) jar pizza sauce
1 (4 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (4.5 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, about 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook and stir the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, macaroni, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and sliced mushrooms.
- Layer half of the macaroni mixture into a 9×12-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining macaroni mixture and cover with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let the casserole cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
Use gluten-free macaroni for a gluten-free option.
For extra flavor, add pepperoni or sausage to the casserole.
This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
