Pizza Mac
A cheesy, flavorful pizza-inspired macaroni bake topped with vegetables and pepperoni, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 7 oz. macaroni, uncooked ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups prepared spaghetti sauce
- 3 oz. pepperoni, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 small tomato, chopped and seeded ⓘ
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions.
- Drain the cooked macaroni.
- In a medium bowl, blend milk and beaten egg.
- Add macaroni to the bowl and mix well.
- Spread the macaroni mixture evenly into a greased 10 x 15-inch baking dish.
- Spoon spaghetti sauce over the macaroni mixture.
- Top with sliced pepperoni, chopped green pepper, chopped tomato, sliced onion rings, and sliced mushrooms.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F until hot and macaroni is set, about 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the macaroni mixture. If you want to customize the toppings, feel free to swap out the pepperoni for cooked sausage or diced chicken. You can also use different vegetables like spinach or zucchini. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pizza Mac with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It's also fantastic with a drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce on top. For a fun twist, pair it with a Frozen Cappuccino Pie for dessert to balance the savory flavors with something sweet.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pizza Mac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave for a few minutes or bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, adding a bit of extra cheese on top for freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Mac contains roughly 348 calories, with 10g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% 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 Pizza Mac ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Pizza Mac in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Can I freeze Pizza Mac?
Yes, Pizza Mac freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake until hot.
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).