Pizza In A Bowl
A cheesy, savory bowl of pasta topped with pepperoni and rich tomato flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 c. corkscrew macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (3 1/2 oz.) pkg. thinly sliced pepperoni ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (1/3 c.) ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pizza sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. onion salt
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded Mozzarella cheese (2 c.) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, except omit the salt. Drain and set aside.
- Cut half of the pepperoni slices into quarters and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and finely chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in pizza sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, pepper, garlic salt, and onion salt.
- Add the cooked macaroni and quartered pepperoni slices to the skillet and stir to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef. You can also substitute whole wheat macaroni for added fiber. If you want extra flavor, try adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with mushrooms or zucchini. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pizza In A Bowl with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light Italian dressing or a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. For an extra cheesy experience, add more mozzarella just before serving. Pairing this dish with a glass of red wine can elevate your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F until warmed, covering it with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza In A Bowl contains roughly 503 calories, with 26g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1386mg per serving (60% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Pizza In A Bowl ahead of time. Cook the macaroni and meat mixture, then store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, combine and heat through. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
If you don't have pepperoni or prefer a different flavor, you can use cooked sausage, diced ham, or even vegetables like bell peppers and olives for a healthier alternative. These substitutions can add a unique twist to the overall flavor of the dish.
Can I freeze this Pizza In A Bowl?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
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).