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Pizza Casserole Recipe; Midwest

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Midwest Pizza Casserole Recipe Request

I’m reaching out in hopes of finding a recipe my mom used to make, which she called “pizza casserole.” It was somewhat similar to lasagna, but definitely its own dish. We’re from the Midwest, which might help jog some memories. I distinctly remember that it included ground beef, onions, and plenty of yellow cheese. My mom was also a fan of Ragu sauce.

I’ve gone through all her cookbooks but haven’t had any luck. She passed away last March, just a day after my brother’s birthday, following a five-year struggle with dementia. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to ask her for the recipe.

This might be a long shot, but I’d love to recreate this “pizza casserole” for my brother’s birthday. Any ideas or leads would mean a lot!

As a side note, she used to whip up a “quick spaghetti” with SpaghettiOs and a lot of ketchup, in case that sparks any memories for anyone. However, my main focus right now is the pizza casserole.

Edited to add some more ingredients that I remember.

Comments

One response to “Pizza Casserole Recipe; Midwest”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like your mom made some special dishes that hold a lot of memories for you. Here’s a simple pizza casserole recipe that might fit what you’re looking for. You can always modify it to match your mom’s version:

    Midwest Pizza Casserole Recipe

    Ingredients:
    – 1 pound ground beef
    – 1 medium onion, chopped
    – 1 jar (24 oz) Ragu or similar spaghetti sauce
    – 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
    – 2 cups shredded yellow cheese (like Cheddar or a blend)
    – 1 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
    – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
    – Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    3. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.

    4. Combine: Stir in the Ragu sauce and Italian seasoning (if using) into the skillet with the beef and onions. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

    5. Layer: In a large casserole dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with half the pasta at the bottom, then half the meat sauce mixture, half the cheese, and some pepperoni if you’re using it. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.

    6. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

    7. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This is great with a side salad or some garlic bread.

    Hopefully, this brings back some memories of your ma’s pizza casserole! Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you remember. Happy cooking, and I hope your brother’s birthday is filled with love and fond memories!

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