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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole




I tried a new recipe tonight.   I recently got my Aug/Sept 2011 issue of  Taste of Home.  In this issue there were some potluck casseroles that all looked really good.   While we are not going to a potluck, I am always up for a new, tasty casserole that my family will eat. It was the pepperoni pizza casserole that caught my eye, but as usual I did not follow the recipe exactly

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

I often omit and add ingredients, knowing what my children will and will not eat.  For example, the original recipe calls for onion and  can of tomatoes. I only  added a little bit of dried onion to the meat, but not an actual onion.   I also did not add extra tomatoes.    The orginal Taste of Home  recipe is for two casseroles, but since I  did not need that much food, I cut the recipe in half. 

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Ingredients


For my version you will need noodles, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, a small  can of mushrooms (optional) and pepperoni.   The original recipe calls for ground turkey, and says you can also use ground beef.   I decided to try sausage, since most of my family  likes sausage on our pizza.   This also worked really well, and gave the casserole a bit of a spicy kick

Noodles for Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

If you want to make 2 casseroles for a pot luck, make the entire bag of noodles, otherwise you only need a half of bag.  I made the whole bag to use half the noodles for another recipe. 

Sausage for a Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Brown the meat in the skillet, and drain the grease.  If you are making two casseroles use 2 lbs of meat, but for one only use one lb.  This is where you can add 1/3 cup  onion if you prefer.  I just sprinkled on some dried onion that might kids would not notice. 

Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Pizza Sauce

Add a half of jar of spaghetti sauce for one casserole, the entire jar for two.  Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes. If you want to add extra tomatoes, you would add them at this step.


Add the noodles to the sauce and meat mixture in the skillet.


Add the mixture to a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish.  I just sprayed with a little bit of cooking spray  first.   This is the step where you add the mushrooms if you like.  I personally love mushrooms, but not everyone in my family does.  I decided to add them and try and hide them in the casserole.  Can you see them?   When it was cooked they did appear and my child who doesnt like them picked them out an gave them to me. 

Pepperoni Pizza and Cheese Casserole


This is another step I changed from the original recipe.  In that recipe it called for only 2 cups of cheese for 2 entire  casseroles.  One cup of cheese for a pizza casserole is NOT enough.  I added an entire 2 cup bag of mozzarella and then threw on some cheddar for good measure.  In my opinion , you can never have too much cheese!

Baked Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

If you are making the 2 cassesroles, use an entire 3 oz package of pepperoni.  Since I only made one, I used half a package. Bake in a 350 degree over for 30 minutes.  Let it stand for 5 minutes after taking out of the oven. 




This recipe is a keeper.  I did have a request to try regular ground beef next time so it is a little less spicy, but everyone did love this version.

19 comments:

  1. It sounds good. Definatly want to give it a try. And I agee with your statement you can never have enough cheese.

    I always double my cheese in almost anything I make with cheese in it.

    Karan

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  2. That looks good and I am going to try it - maybe even tonight! And ITA, you can never have too much cheese! ;-)

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  3. mmmmm that looks so good! I am all about a pepperoni pizza so transform that into another meal is glorious!

    I would love if you would come link up at Blog Stalking Thursday!
    http://thecraftyblogstalker.blogspot.com/2011/08/blog-stalking-thursday-2.html

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  4. I wonder how this would freeze? Any thoughts?

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  5. I would think it would freeze okay if it is in the proper type of container. I dont normally freeze casseroles because of limited freezer space, but I know others do.

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  6. Hi Pam, what a delicious casserole....pepperoni pizza is something that I can NEVER turn down! This has to taste wonderful! Thanks for sharing! I don't know if you knew that I also have a weekend foodie blog hop if you'd like to join in. 8 blogs are featured each week! Hope to see you there!

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  7. looks delicious! my son would love this for dinner.

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  8. Looks super yummy! Thanks for the recipe! ~ :)
    ~Lisa @
    organizedchaos-lisa.blogspot.com

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  9. WOW! This looks delicious! I love casseroles and cannot wait to try this.

    I would love for you to link up your post at my Savvy HomeMade blog party at http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/2011/08/07/bog-party-2

    I am a new follower!

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  10. I love pizza, I definitely will be trying this. Please stop by www.laughloveandcraft.com and link up to my Share the Wealth Wednesday Link Party! I'm your newest follower!

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  11. That looks yummy, will need to try that out one night for dinner.

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  12. Followed your link on Not just a Housewife, and love this idea. Thanks for modifying it for picky eaters...which is exactly what my family is :)

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  13. This post made me smile. Thanks for inspiring me and many others to even attempt this feat. Really appreciate that you linked up at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop.

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  14. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with me at Cast Party Wednesday. I hope you will come back tomorrow for another party filled with GREAT RECIPES!
    Thanks,
    I hope to see you there!

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  15. Yum! This is on my list for this week's menu! Thank you so much for linking up and partying at Home Savvy A to Z this week!

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  16. My kids would LOVE this! Thanks for linking to the Tuesday To Do Party!
    Smiles!
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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  17. I am so glad you shared this at the Everyday Entrees For $5.00 link party! This looks like something my family would just love!

    Easy and inexpensive! Just what I love!
    Cynthia at
    http://FeedingBig.com

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I would love to hear from you!