Pizza Casserole Your Weeknight Pizza Fix

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Pizza Night Made Easy!

Fancy a slice, but can't be arsed with the faff? This Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for those manic weeknights is about to become your new best mate! It's cheesy, saucy, and packed with all your favourite pizza flavours, but way easier to whip up.

Honestly, it's proper lush comfort food.

Brief Overview: Pizza Casserole 101

Pizza casserole, or pizza bake recipe, is a brilliant invention. Think of it as a deconstructed pizza. This family friendly casserole combines all the classic pizza flavours in a layered bake.

It is super easy and requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, so you have quick dinner ideas .

This serves 6-8 people.

Main Benefits: Comfort Food Sorted!

This easy casserole recipe is great as a weeknight meal . The best bit? It is totally customisable. Plus, it will use up any leftover bits in the fridge.

It also is budget friendly casserole recipe . This recipe is all about speed, ease, and satisfaction, and who doesn't love that?

Ready to get cracking? Let's have a look at what you'll need...

Ingredients for Your Easy Pizza Casserole

Here's the shopping list for your simple pizza casserole . This pizza noodle casserole is super flexible. Adjust quantities to suit your taste.

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef.
• 1 medium yellow onion.
• 2 cloves garlic.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1 (24-ounce) jar (680g) marinara sauce.
• 1 (12-ounce) package (340g) egg noodles.
• 1 (15-ounce) container (425g) ricotta cheese.
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese.
• 1 large egg.
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Optional Toppings: pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives.

And that's all, folks!

A Few Tips Before You Start

Before you get started on this lazy pizza recipe , don't overcook the noodles. You want them slightly underdone. The sauce makes them soggy enough as it is.

Drain your meat well after cooking to avoid any grease. Get creative with your toppings; think of this as your chance to build the ultimate pizza without the crust.

The whole family will love it!.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Weeknight Bliss

Right, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? Before we dive into this easy pizza casserole recipe for a cracking weeknight meal, we need to gather our bits and bobs.

I swear, half the battle is just having everything prepped! Trust me, I've been there, staring blankly into the fridge at 6 pm, wondering what to conjure up for the family.

This simple pizza casserole is your savior, and it all starts with the right ingredients.

Main Ingredients: No Fuss, Just Flavour

Okay, here's the lowdown. We're aiming for comfort food casserole heaven.

• Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage): 1 pound (450g) . Honestly, go for decent quality here. You want it to brown nicely and not be all greasy. Drain it well after cooking. We don't want a soggy pizza bake recipe .
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium (150g) , chopped. Nothing fancy, just a basic yellow onion.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred stuff is okay in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds that classic pizza vibe.
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Complements the oregano perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Optional, but I like a bit of a kick.
• Marinara Sauce: 1 (24-ounce) jar (680g) . Use your favorite brand. You know, the one you always reach for.
• Egg Noodles: 1 (12-ounce) package (340g) . Cook 'em al dente, 'cause they'll cook more in the oven.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15-ounce) container (425g) . Makes it lovely and creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. Adds a lovely salty, nutty flavour.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten. Helps bind the ricotta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (200g) , shredded. The star of the show!
• Optional Pizza toppings: pepperonis, mushrooms, peppers, olives.

Seasoning Notes: Jazz It Up!

For a budget friendly casserole recipes , you probably have most of these seasonings in your cupboard already. Don't be afraid to experiment with others, though.

I sometimes throw in a pinch of thyme or rosemary for an extra bit of depth. A bay leaf while the sauce simmers never hurts.

• Spice It Up : A dash of chilli powder or a few drops of your favourite hot sauce into the sauce can take it to the next level. Remember the optional red pepper flakes? Now is when we add it.
• Aromatics : A touch of garlic powder and onion powder work in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Right, you don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for this lazy pizza recipe . Here's what you'll need.

• Large skillet: For browning the meat. A decent non-stick one is always a winner.
• Large pot: For cooking the noodles.
• 9x13 inch baking dish: This is your casserole's home.
• Mixing bowl: For the ricotta mixture.

Honestly, this family friendly casserole is all about ease. If you haven't got the exact equipment, don't sweat it. Just use what you've got.

Now, on to the good stuff, the cooking! You will discover a new quick dinner ideas .

Cooking Method for Your Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe

So, you're ready to whip up this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for a quick dinner? Ace! Don't worry, I'll walk you through it.

It’s easier than ordering a takeaway, honestly. Trust me, even if you're knackered, you can nail this.

Prep Like a Pro (Even When You're Not)

Essential mise en place : Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. It really does make a difference and stops you from flapping about later like a headless chicken.

Chop your onion (150g), mince your garlic. Cook your ground beef (450g), drain the fat and set aside all the toppings, easy right?

Time saving organization tips : Cook the noodles (340g) while the beef is browning. Saves time and washing up!

Safety reminders : Be careful when draining the hot grease from the cooked beef. Nobody wants burns. Also, mind the hot oven!

The Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for Process

1. Preheat like a Boss : Blast that oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Sorted.
2. Sauté the Base : Brown the ground beef, then add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. About 5 minutes should do it. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional) and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Sauce It Up : Stir in your marinara sauce (680g) and simmer for 5 minutes . This lets the flavours get all cosy.
4. Ricotta Magic : Mix ricotta cheese (425g), Parmesan (50g), and egg. Beat it well. Honestly, this mix makes the comfort food casserole so creamy!
5. Layer It : Spread a bit of meat sauce in your dish. Layer with half the noodles, ricotta mix, and some mozzarella (200g).
6. Repeat : Add the remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella. Add any toppings you fancy. Pepperoni, mushrooms go wild!.
7. Bake : Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes . Remove foil, bake another 10 minutes , until cheesy and bubbly.
8. Rest : Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape.

Pro Tips for this Pizza Bake Recipe

• Don't overcook the pasta : Undercook your noodles slightly. They will continue to cook in the oven
• Drain that fat! : Make sure you drain the ground beef well. No one likes a greasy casserole.
• Customize : Make this dish the ultimate family friendly casserole by customizing with toppings that the entire family loves.

This Pizza noodle casserole is one of those quick dinner ideas that feels like you spent way longer on it than you actually did.

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's talk about making this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for busy weeknights even better. I mean, we're already making a lazy pizza recipe , but there's always room to tweak things, innit? This section is all about those little bits that can make a difference.

Ace Serving Suggestions

Fancy plating? Nah, not really needed for this comfort food casserole . But, you could sprinkle some fresh basil on top.

Makes it look like you've made an effort. On the side, maybe a simple green salad to balance the richness.

As for drinks? A glass of red wine if you're feeling fancy, otherwise some fizzy pop works a treat. Honestly, just digging in is the main goal here.

Clever Storage Tips

If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens), just pop the casserole in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3 days, tops. Freezing is an option too! Just wrap it well, and it'll last a month or two.

When reheating, oven is best to keep it crispy. Microwaving works too if you're in a rush.

Brilliant Variations

Want to mix things up? Easy peasy. For a veggie version, swap the meat for some mushrooms and peppers, sautéed of course.

If you're watching the carbs, use courgette noodles instead of egg noodles. Easy casserole recipes should be adaptable, you know?

Nifty Nutrition Basics

Okay, so this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for might not be health food, but it's not the worst thing you could eat either.

It's got protein from the meat and cheese, and some carbs for energy. Just don't go scoffing the whole thing in one go! Moderation is key.

It's roughly 450-550 calories per serving, with 30-35g of protein, 20-25g of fat, and 40-50g of carbs. Remember, these are just estimates.

This pizza bake recipe is a great way to get a family friendly casserole on the table. It's one of those quick dinner ideas that actually works, and it's definitely a budget friendly casserole recipe .

Honestly, you can't go wrong. So, get in the kitchen and give it a go. You might just find your new favourite weeknight meal is this simple pizza casserole !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger group. Just make sure you use a baking dish (or dishes!) big enough to accommodate all the ingredients. For a massive gathering, consider using disposable aluminum pans for easy cleanup nobody wants to do dishes after a proper knees-up.

What are some good variations I can try for this Pizza Casserole: Your Weeknight Pizza Fix!?

Loads! If you're feeling adventurous, try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier kick. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for a mix of roasted veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini. If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even some sliced jalapeños.

It's your casserole, get creative and make it your own!

How long does this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for last in the fridge and how do I reheat it?

Your pizza casserole will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it's stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions (though the texture might be slightly softer) or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Covering it with foil will prevent the top from drying out nobody likes a crispy casserole!

Can I freeze this Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe for later?

Yes, you can! For best results, let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed in the recipe, but you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

It's a proper make-ahead meal.

Is there anything I can substitute for the ricotta cheese in this Easy Pizza Casserole?

If you're not a fan of ricotta or don't have any on hand, you can substitute it with cream cheese (softened) or even cottage cheese. Both will provide a similar creamy texture. Cream cheese has a richer flavor than ricotta while cottage cheese has a more mild, slightly salty flavor.

Just be aware that the flavor profile of the casserole might change slightly.

How can I make this Pizza Casserole recipe healthier?

There are a few clever swaps you can do to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor. Opt for lean ground turkey instead of beef, and use whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber. You can also load it up with extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value.

Look at you, cooking proper healthy meals!