Pizza Macaroni Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Pizza Macaroni Bake, a dish that perfectly combines the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of baked pasta. Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed in a rich, herb-infused pizza sauce, this casserole is layered with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Aromatic touches of garlic, oregano, and basil bring out classic pizzeria flavors, while a crispy, golden-baked crust adds the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just under an hour, this family-friendly recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, with its irresistible blend of flavors sure to delight both kids and adults. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve piping hot for a meal that satisfies on every level!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 250 grams ground Italian sausage
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 400 milliliters pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 100 grams pepperoni slices
• 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer half of the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Layer half of the pepperoni slices on top.

Step 8

Add the remaining macaroni mixture, followed by the rest of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1450.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3683.2

Total Fat 190.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 476.8mg	0%
Sodium 11034.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 307.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.6g	0%
Total Sugars 42.7g
Protein 181.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2310.2mg	0%
Iron 25.8mg	0%
Potassium 3728.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.8%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 33.5%