Italian > Pizzas

Spessa Pizza Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- 9x13 inch baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni pasta according to package directions. Drain.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and beef mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 480
- Total fat: 20g
- Saturated fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 32g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Rigatoni pasta can be substituted with any other pasta shape.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other shredded cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier casserole.
- Add sliced black olives or diced pepperoni for a pizza-inspired casserole.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding the vegetables and sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

Storage Instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the casserole.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the casserole is too dry, add a little bit of tomato sauce or pasta water to the mixture before baking.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food History:
- Casseroles have been a popular dish in American cuisine since the 1950s.

Flavor Profiles:
- This casserole has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the beef and tomato sauce, with a cheesy and slightly nutty flavor from the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a comforting and filling meal.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Garlicky, Tangy, Umami