Home / Uncategorized / Cheesy Vegetarian Pizza Casserole – Family Fun!

Cheesy Vegetarian Pizza Casserole – Family Fun!

Introduction

Transform leftover veggies and pantry staples into a cheesy, comforting pizza casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! This recipe is super easy, customizable, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Get ready for a pizza party in a pan! 🎉

Why This Works

This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, uses ingredients you probably already have, and tastes amazing! It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, and the whole family will love the cheesy, gooey goodness. Plus, cleanup is a breeze – one pan wonder! ✨

Key Ingredients

  • 🍕 1 pre-made pizza crust (12-inch)
  • 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 🫑 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 🍄 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3️⃣ Spread half of the tomato mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

4️⃣ Top with the pizza crust, pressing it gently into the tomato mixture.

5️⃣ Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the pizza crust.

6️⃣ Sprinkle both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

7️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8️⃣ Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy! 😋

Handy Tips

  • You can use any type of pizza crust you like – whole wheat, thin crust, thick crust – it’s all delicious!
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, like zucchini, spinach, or olives.
  • If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead (about ½ teaspoon).
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Heat Control

Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures the crust gets golden brown and crispy while the cheese melts perfectly. Don’t bake it at too high a temperature, or the crust will burn before the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on it and adjust baking time as needed.

Crunch Factor

This casserole offers a delightful textural contrast! You get the soft, slightly tangy tomato base, the crispy pizza crust, and the gooey, stretchy cheese – a perfect combination of textures.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

  • For a quicker prep, use pre-chopped vegetables.
  • To make a vegetarian supreme, add some black olives and pepperoni substitutes.
  • For a richer flavor, use a higher-quality Parmesan cheese.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Cut the casserole into squares and package them individually in foil containers for a thoughtful and delicious gift. A cute ribbon adds a festive touch! 🎀

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Pizza Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
🌟 Mediterranean Pizza Casserole: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
🌟 Veggie Supreme Pizza Casserole: Load it up with your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, spinach, and artichoke hearts would be delicious.
🌟 Creamy Pesto Pizza Casserole: Spread a layer of pesto under the pizza crust for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting

  • Crust is too soggy: Make sure you don’t overbake the casserole. Also ensure that you have drained any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them.
  • Cheese isn’t melted: Make sure the oven is at the correct temperature and bake for a few minutes longer.
  • Casserole is too dry: Add a little more crushed tomatoes or a splash of water to the tomato mixture.

FAQ

  • Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the casserole.
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking according to the instructions.
  • What kind of cheese can I use? You can use any kind of cheese you like! Mozzarella, provolone, and even cheddar work well.
  • My pizza crust is too small: Don’t worry, just adjust the amount of filling accordingly.

Conclusion

This Easy Vegetarian Pizza Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and share your culinary creations with us at https://a.ratemyrecipes.com! Happy cooking! 😊

Cheesy Vegetarian Pizza Casserole - Family Fun!

A delicious and hearty vegetarian pizza casserole that's easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautu00e9 for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the vegetable mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and mix until combined.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Tips

  • Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute with ones you have on hand.
  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or jalapeu00f1os to the vegetable mixture.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 300 Protein: 12g Carbs: 45g Fat: 10g

Leave a Comment