Microwave Pizza Casserole
A quick and cheesy microwave pizza casserole with flavorful ground beef, mushrooms, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine ground beef, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch casserole dish. Cover tightly with heavy-duty plastic wrap, folding back a corner to let steam escape.
- Microwave at High for 5 minutes or until done, stirring at 2-minute intervals. Drain excess fat.
- Add cooked noodles, pizza sauce, water, garlic salt, drained mushrooms, and sliced pepperoni to the casserole. Mix well.
- Cover and microwave at High for 17 to 19 minutes, stirring at 6-minute intervals.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or rotisserie chicken as a substitute for the ground beef. You can also swap out the pizza sauce for marinara or spaghetti sauce for a different flavor profile. Add your favorite vegetables like olives or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Microwave Pizza Casserole with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors. You can also pair it with a light vinaigrette dressing for added zest. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or game day, and kids will love its cheesy, pizza-like goodness. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Sweet And Sour Meat Balls(Appetizer).
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Pizza Casserole contains roughly 253 calories, with 12g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 602mg per serving (26% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of microwaving it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, simply microwave it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or even cauliflower rice for a lighter version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the substitute you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To spice up your Microwave Pizza Casserole, consider adding diced jalapeños or green chilies to the meat mixture before cooking. You can also stir in some hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
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).