HEARTY PIZZA CASSEROLE

Hearty Pizza Casserole image

"This cheesy, meaty meal is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time," says Barbara Walker of Brookville, Kansas. "Downsizing it allows me to enjoy it more often."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
6 small fresh mushrooms, halved
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, mushrooms and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, pepperoni, olives, sugar, Italian seasoning and pepper., Drain macaroni; add to meat mixture. Transfer to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheeses., Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through., Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake according to directions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Fat 19g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 871mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.