Pizza Hot Dish(Microwave)
A hearty microwave pizza hot dish combining ground beef, spices, noodles, and melted cheeses, perfect for a quick, flavorful family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 c water ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz) chopped pepperoni ⓘ
- 1/2 c sliced olives ⓘ
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 c uncooked noodles ⓘ
- 1 c shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 c chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef into a 2-quart glass casserole; add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Microwave uncovered 5 to 6 minutes or until meat is set, stirring once.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Stir water, tomato paste, chopped pepperoni, sliced olives, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, mushrooms, uncooked noodles, and chopped green pepper into the meat.
- Cover and microwave 15 to 17 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring 2 to 3 times during cooking.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Microwave uncovered 1 to 1½ minutes or until cheeses are melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or leftovers from a previous meal. You can also swap the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter dish. If you're short on time, try using instant noodles instead of uncooked ones to reduce cooking time. Adding some red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick, reminiscent of Spicy Meat Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pizza Hot Dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade. For a fun twist, top with fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving. This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and if you're a fan of American recipes, it's a must-try.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. For best results, reheat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, thawing before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Hot Dish(Microwave) contains roughly 1288 calories, with 44g protein, 211g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (208% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1590mg per serving (69% 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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and pepperoni. Use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for added flavor and texture. You can also add a plant-based meat substitute or beans for protein. Adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will add a similar savory flavor. Alternatively, shredded mozzarella can also work in a pinch, although it will change the dish's flavor profile slightly.
How do I know when the noodles are tender?
The noodles are tender when they have softened and are easily pierced with a fork. During microwave cooking, be sure to stir the mixture 2 to 3 times, as this helps ensure even cooking. If they're not quite tender after the recommended time, continue microwaving in short increments until they reach the desired consistency.
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).