Kid Friendly Pizza Pasta Food

KID FRIENDLY PIZZA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Cook pasta according to package directions, Drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, add sausage and heat until brown. Drain excess grease if necessary.
• Stir in garlic, diced up onion and chopped green pepper.
• Cook an additional 3-5 minutes to allow for ingredients to soften.
• Stir in pepperoni, cooked and drained pasta and tomato sauce. Mix well.
• Top with mozzarella cheese.
• Place cast iron skillet into oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and it's heated through.
• Top pizza casserole with a little extra Parmesan cheese or your favorite pizza toppings.

QUICK AND EASY PESTO PIZZA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• To make small personal pizzas: Divide the dough into 6-8 sections. Stretch to make circles that are about 6-8 inches in diameter and about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Place onto a pizza stone or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. (You may need to bake on more than one pizza stone or baking sheet.)
• Top each round with 2 tablespoons pesto and 1/3 cup cheese.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the crust sounds hollow when you tap it.
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Cut into wedges or sticks and serve warm topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

KID'S FAVORITE PIZZA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
• Cook and stir ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until meat is crumbly and browned, about 10 minutes; drain excess grease.
• Mix cooked ground beef, macaroni, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, and mushrooms in a bowl. Layer half the macaroni mixture into a 9x12-inch baking dish; top with 1/2 the mozzarella cheese. Layer remaining macaroni mixture over the top; sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over macaroni mixture. Cover dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until cheese has melted and casserole is bubbling, about 35 minutes. Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

4-INGREDIENT DUMP AND BAKE PIZZA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• In the prepared baking dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, about ¾ of the package of pepperoni, and salt. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove dish from oven, take off cover, and give the pasta a stir. At this point it should be almost done, but still a bit firm ("al dente").
• Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and place remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for about 5-10 more minutes (or until cheese is melted and pasta is tender).
• Garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired

KID-FRIENDLY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Then drain and rinse in cold water until cool. Set aside.
• Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and throw into a large skillet. Saute until slightly crisp, and then remove to a paper-towel-lined-plate.
• For the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, salt, and sugar if using in a small bowl.
• Stir together the pasta, dressing, tomatoes, bacon, Cheddar and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Taste for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
• Stir in the basil at the end.