Discovering a Family Favorite
My Favorite is Cheesy Pizza Noodle Bake and I remember the day I first tried making the Cheesy Pizza Noodle Bake. It was a rainy afternoon, and my kids were craving something comforting. I had a craving for pizza, but I didn’t want to deal with the mess of making dough. That’s when I decided to combine two family favorites: pizza and pasta. The idea of a casserole that brings together the best parts of both dishes seemed perfect. With just a few ingredients and a bit of creativity, I set out to create a meal that would warm our hearts and fill our bellies.
A One-Pan Wonder
As the egg noodles cooked and the aroma of sizzling ground beef filled the kitchen, I knew this was going to be special. I sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, watching them turn tender and fragrant. Mixing all these with the pizza sauce and pepperoni felt like putting together a puzzle—each piece adding to the delicious whole. The recipe was so simple, and yet it promised such a delightful result. I poured the mixture into the casserole dish, ready to transform it into a golden, bubbly feast.
The Perfect Bake
While the casserole baked, the anticipation in the house grew. The smell of melting mozzarella cheese was irresistible, and the bubbling sauce made my mouth water. When I finally pulled the dish from the oven, the sight of the cheesy, pepperoni-studded top was worth every minute of waiting. It looked like a perfect blend of a pizza and a pasta bake, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The cheesy crust and savory layers were exactly what I had hoped for—comfort food at its finest.
Sharing the Joy
When the Cheesy Pizza Noodle Bake was ready, I served it up with a side of salad and garlic bread. The kids’ eyes lit up, and they eagerly dug in, each bite confirming that this was going to become a regular in our dinner rotation. It was a hit, not just for its delicious taste, but also for how easy it was to prepare. I felt a sense of pride knowing that this simple dish had become a family favorite. It’s these little moments of joy that make cooking so rewarding, and I couldn’t have been happier to share this cheesy, comforting meal with my loved ones.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Cheesy Pizza Noodle Bake
- Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite pizza toppings. Mushrooms, olives, or even jalapeños can add extra flavor and texture.
- To enhance the flavor, try mixing in Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.
- Make sure to cook the egg noodles just until al dente. Overcooking them will result in a mushy casserole.
- For an extra cheesy top, you can mix different cheeses like cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella. This will give a more complex flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake when ready.
- If you want to freeze this dish, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and bake from frozen for 45-60 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick meal on busy days.
- Pair this casserole with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A simple green salad with Italian dressing complements the flavors beautifully.
Cheesy Pizza Noodle Bake
4
servings20
minutes30
minutes387
kcal10
minutes1
hourDive into the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Pizza Noodle Bake! Combining all your favorite pizza toppings with tender egg noodles, this one-dish wonder is perfect for feeding the family. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to become a household favorite. Get ready to impress with this delightful casserole!
Ingredients
- Pasta Base
2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
- Meat and Veggies
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 green bell pepper diced
2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce and Mix-ins
16 ounces pizza sauce
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup whole milk
- Cheese Topping
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Boil Noodles – Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Veggies – In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Bake Casserole – Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Rest and Serve – Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 387kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 800IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ-Cheesy Pizza Noodle Bake
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with any type of pasta you prefer. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe without meat?
Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and add more vegetables or a meat substitute like lentils or mushrooms to make it a vegetarian dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in individual portions.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble it, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
If you need a dairy-free or lower-fat option, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or even skim milk. For a vegan option, use dairy-free mozzarella and a plant-based milk.
