Pizza Hot Dish Casserole
A hearty pizza hot dish casserole combining ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and pasta with savory Italian spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Mix flour with 1/4 cup tomato juice reserved from the drained tomatoes.
- Stir oil, flour and juice mixture into the cooked ground beef.
- Add tomatoes, chopped onion, pepper, salt, oregano, and garlic salt.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for a meat substitute or use extra vegetables. You can also use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone, for a unique flavor. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Pizza Hot Dish Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For extra flavor, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also top it with fresh basil or oregano before serving for an added touch. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside My Mom'S Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Hot Dish Casserole contains roughly 546 calories, with 22g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (176% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2087mg per serving (91% 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 meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as some meats may cook faster than others.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the pasta used is gluten-free, which is widely available in stores. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten concerns.
What can I do if I don't have wide noodles?
If you don't have wide noodles, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as elbow macaroni or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's instructions, as different shapes may require varying boiling times.
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).