Macaroni Pizza 🍕
If you’re looking for a versatile, family-friendly recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make, then you’re in for a treat with this Macaroni Pizza! 🎉 This dish offers a delightful twist on the classic pizza, bringing together the comforting flavors of macaroni and cheese with the savory goodness of a meaty topping. It’s a recipe that has been a favorite in many households, and the best part is, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand! 🍽️
Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 🥩
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- 1/2 tsp pepper 🌶️
- 2 cups macaroni, cooked and drained 🍝
- 2 cups milk 🥛
- 1 egg 🥚
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Macaroni Pizza bakes to golden perfection! 🌟
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Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, just tender enough with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. 🍜
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Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let the flavors meld together until the beef is perfectly cooked and the onions are soft and fragrant. 😋
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Add the Soup: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup into the beef mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, letting all those delicious flavors combine into a savory sauce. 👩🍳
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Prepare the Pasta Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. This will be the creamy, binding mixture that holds our Macaroni Pizza together! 🥚🥛
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Assemble the Pizza: Grease a jelly roll pan or a baking sheet with a bit of oil or cooking spray. Pour the cooked macaroni into the pan, spreading it out evenly to form a delicious pasta base. 🍕
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Layer on the Goodness: Now comes the fun part! Gently spoon the beef and soup mixture over the macaroni, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. This savory layer will infuse each bite with incredible flavor! 🥄
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Sprinkle with Cheese: Time to add a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheesy goodness will melt into gooey perfection as it bakes, creating a golden crust that’s simply irresistible. 🧀
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Bake to Perfection: Pop your Macaroni Pizza into the preheated oven and let it bake for around 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown and crispy. 🕒
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the Macaroni Pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice into perfect squares. Serve hot, and watch as your family and friends dig in with delight! 🍽️✨
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 569.2
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12.2g
- Cholesterol: 122.8mg
- Sodium: 1778.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12.7g
- Protein: 37.2g
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or meatless ground “beef.”
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness, or sprinkle on some feta for a tangy kick.
- Add Some Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture. It’s a great way to amp up the flavor and make it even more wholesome!
- Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef mixture. It’ll give your Macaroni Pizza a spicy kick that’s sure to please.
- Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the Macaroni Pizza ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a time-saving dinner option for busy weeknights.
With its creamy macaroni base, savory beef topping, and gooey cheese crust, this Macaroni Pizza is sure to become a new family favorite! 🌟 Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own twists, it’s a dish that brings joy with every bite. So gather your loved ones around the table, slice into squares of cheesy goodness, and savor the comfort and flavor of this delightful meal. Bon appétit! 🍽️🧀🥩