Mozzetti
Mozzetti is a hearty baked casserole combining seasoned hamburger, noodles, and rich mushroom and tomato flavors, topped with melted mozzarella cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles and drain.
- Fry hamburger and onion together; drain fat.
- In a bowl, mix mushrooms, tomato soup, mushroom soup, and tomato sauce.
- In a casserole dish, place a layer of the soup mixture to cover the bottom.
- Add a layer of noodles, then a layer of the hamburger mixture, then cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up.
- End with a top layer of the soup mixture to prevent noodles from drying.
- Bake in oven at 325°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian seasoning to the hamburger while cooking. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the hamburger. You can also use a mix of cheeses, like cheddar or a blend, instead of just mozzarella. If canned mushrooms aren't available, fresh mushrooms can be sautéed and added for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra burst of flavor, serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It also complements perfectly with sides like steamed vegetables or even a fresh coleslaw, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the Mozzetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mozzetti contains roughly 629 calories, with 15g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 589mg 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 prepare Mozzetti in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the Mozzetti ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. This will provide a similar flavor profile, but you may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if using crushed tomatoes.
Can I freeze Mozzetti?
Absolutely! Mozzetti can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping.
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).