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Pizza Pasta Bake

April 8, 2009 By Kate 5 Comments

This dinner was super easy and the kids loved it. It also made enough that we’ll have leftovers for lunch one day this week. Leftovers are so rare around our house that I always get a little excited when I make a dish that we don’t actually finish in one meal.

I opted to use pizza toppings that we all like, but I’m sure you could substitute your favorites.

Pizza Pasta Bake

  • 1 lb. penne rigate or mostacolli, fully cooked and drained
  • 1 c. ricotta cheese
  • 3 c. marinara sauce (homemade or from a jar)
  • 30 slices pepperoni
  • 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms (I used canned, but only because that’s what I had on hand)
  • 1/2 c. sliced black olives
  • 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Combine hot pasta with ricotta cheese and stir until cheese is melted and smooth. Pour into a 13×9 casserole dish.
2. Pour marinara sauce over pasta. Top with pepperoni, mushrooms and olives. Add shredded mozzarella cheese on top.3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and cheese is melted.

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Cheeseburger Macaroni

November 22, 2008 By Kate 10 Comments

Back in the days when we were eating convenience and packaged food, I was guilty of being a huge Hamburger Helper fan. My favorite was the Cheeseburger Macaroni. It took me a few years to duplicate it just right, but now I no longer miss Hamburger Helper at all! This is the recipe I use whenever I’m craving that comfort food.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

  • 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • salt
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • 2 c. milk
  • 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 T. ketchup
  • 1 T. mustard
  • 1 T. fresh parsley, minced, or 1 t. dried parsley flakes, crumbled
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 lb. cooked elbow macaroni noodles

1. Place ground meat and onions in a large skillet and season with salt, to taste. Brown meat. Do NOT drain fat.
2. Add flour, stir to incorporate, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in milk, bring to a boil over medium heat, and thicken. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted.
3. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and salt & pepper to the sauce. Add noodles and combine well. Serve and enjoy!

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