Pizza Casserole

So, here is where I found this fabulous recipe:

 

 

I really think this is just a fancy lasagna, but it did taste more like pizza which I think was because of the basil & veggies.

You will need:

Rectangle pan

Frying Pan

A few extra bowls

Mixing utensils

Pasta (I used macaroni because that’s what I have in my cupboard right now. The recipe calls for the egg noodles-the curly ones. I think that makes more of a “crust” I added an egg to my pasta once cooked. It would have worked had I done that right before I put it in the pan. I did it too early and it turned into scrambled eggs. Added protein you couldn’t taste!)

1-2 cans of tomato sauce (500 ml)

1 can tomato paste

4 cups grated cheese (2 if you like light cheese, we go a little overboard at our house!)

Veggies of choice-we used red onions & peppers)

2 chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces

EVOO (for those of you not Racheal Ray fans-Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Salt

Pepper

2 Tablespoons (or less, again to your liking) of each Basil, Oregano, & Parsley (dried-or double it for fresh). I rub the herbs between my palms before I put it in to release the flavors (again, Ms. Ray taught me well! It really does work!)

1/2 a pepperoni-sliced

 

Lil' A Cook's Assistant

 

Step 1: Cook the pasta of choice according to the package directions

Boil the pasta-al dente!

 

Step 2: Dice and slice all the veggies, herbs (if using fresh), chicken and pepperoni

 

Step 3: Fry up the Chicken with EVOO. Add onions and even some garlic half way through cooking, or whenever you want. I like my veggies to still have some life left in them once the casserole is cooked. With EVOO, cook your bite sized chicken.

Step 4: Take out the Chicken from the pan & add the veggies. Fry those up to your liking.

 Season with salt & pepper, cook 2 minutes & set aside.

 

Step 5: Add the tomato paste & herbs to the veggies mix. Mix it up for about 2 minutes.

 
 

Step 6: Layer up! Tomato Sauce, Pasta, Cheese, Veggie Mix. Do this twice. Then add a layer of cheese to the top & finish off with the pepperoni slices (which I didn’t have!)

 

Step 7: Bake at 350F for about 20-30 minutes depending on how you like your cheese.

                                                                                                     

 Top with cheese. You can add pepperoni slices on the top for that added “pizza” taste.

 

Step 8: Let set about 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

Notes:

-If you use any other pasta other than the egg noodles, the casserole will be more lasagna like and less pizza crust like.

-Use any “fillings” you like. Try beef, spicy chicken, etc.

-Baking time varies by oven. If you bake lasagna often, go by what works for that dish in your oven.

-An assistant under 3 feet is suggested, but not required:)

 

I am by no means a great cook! However, I am trying. So try at your own risk….and those of you out there know who you are-don’t tell your husbands I dreamt this one up! And while I really didn’t, just don’t tell them where you found the recipe. It’ll be our secret and I’ll be proud of that! 🙂

 

Krystle

 

 

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