Dinner Favorite: Grandma’s Pizza Macaroni Cheese
If you want a fun, comforting meal that brings two ultimate family favorites together, Grandma’s Pizza Macaroni Cheese is the absolute best choice. This creative classic features tender macaroni tossed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. It is topped with zesty pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings.
As it bakes, the top turns into a beautifully bubbling pizza layer. This hearty dish delivers the cozy, heartwarming magic of Grandma’s kitchen straight to your family dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Macaroni Cheese
The Ultimate Comfort Mashup: Combining the creamy goodness of homemade mac and cheese with the bold, zesty flavors of a classic pizza creates a meal everyone will crave.
Completely Customizable: You can easily layer on your family’s favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, black olives, or green peppers. In this way, you can make it your own.
Perfect for Picky Eaters: This substantial, fun pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It works wonders for birthday parties, family gatherings, or cozy weeknight dinners.
“If your family loves crispy, cheesy dinners, pair this fun pizza mac with a side of my golden Grandma’s Parmesan Chicken!”
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Macaroni Cheese
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Since the macaroni will cook a second time in the oven, boil your pasta for one or two minutes less than the package instructions. This simple step keeps the noodles from getting mushy. In addition, it ensures they hold up beautifully beneath the heavy layers of sauce and cheese.
Layer the Sauces Carefully: To keep the distinct flavors of both dishes alive in every bite, spread your zesty pizza sauce gently over the top of the mixed macaroni and cheese. Do this rather than stirring it completely in. In the end, this creates gorgeous, distinct layers just like a real pizza.
Let it Sit Before Serving: Give the casserole about ten minutes to cool slightly on the counter before scooping it out. This resting time allows the creamy cheese sauce to set up just enough. Therefore, you get a perfect balance of pizza topping and macaroni on every single plate.
Dinner Favorite: Grandma’s Pizza Macaroni Cheese
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 1 drainer
- 1 large spoon
- 1 small bowl
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 2 pkg (14 oz. each) deluxe macaroni and cheese dinner mix
- 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 oz.) pizza sauce
- 2 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1 can (14 ½ oz) petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1 small green pepper, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions for al dente. Drain the macaroni and return to the pan.
- Stir in the contents of cheese packets and sour cream. Transfer to a greased 13×9 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine tomatoes and pizza sauce, and drop by spoonfuls over the macaroni.
- Top with peppers, pepperoni, and cheese. Bake, uncovered, until bubbly for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition
We Want to Hear From You!
Are you ready to fill your home with the incredible aroma of bubbling mozzarella and savory pizza sauce? Grab your favorite 9×13 baking dish and let’s start layering Grandma’s favorite!
Did this old-fashioned pizza macaroni cheese bring your family together for a wonderful meal? Please leave a comment down below and give this recipe a star rating! Hearing from you always makes my day. Be sure to hit that share button and pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest dinner boards!
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