Amish Pizza Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining macaroni, hamburger, pepperoni, and mushrooms with savory pizza sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until al dente and drain.
- Brown the hamburger with chopped onion until fully cooked.
- Mix the cooked macaroni, browned hamburger and onion, pizza sauce, mushroom soup, and pepperoni slices together.
- Layer half of the mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the layer.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. You can also swap out the hamburger for ground turkey or a meat alternative to lighten the dish. For a veggie twist, add bell peppers or mushrooms. If you prefer a spicier kick, use spicy pepperoni or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a hearty soup, like Boston Clam Chowder (Soup) or Corn Chowder (Soup), for a comforting dinner. Feel free to garnish each serving with fresh basil or extra mozzarella for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Amish Pizza Casserole contains roughly 407 calories, with 18g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1277mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the hamburger and using a meat substitute, such as lentils or textured vegetable protein. Additionally, add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, assemble it, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate it overnight, then bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).