Description

Pizza Macaroni and Cheese is a fun twist on two classic comfort foods—mac and cheese and pizza! This baked dish is packed with cheesy goodness, savory pepperoni, and classic pizza flavors, making it a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare. With a crispy, golden top and a creamy, cheesy interior, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups milk
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 package (8 oz) sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, diced tomatoes, pepperoni, black olives, green bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy the perfect blend of pizza and mac and cheese in every bite!

Notes

Pepperoni Options: While traditional sliced pepperoni works great, you can experiment with other pizza toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, or even bacon for a variety of flavors.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Bell peppers, onions, or even spinach can be added for extra color and nutrition. You could also swap the green bell pepper for red or yellow peppers for a different taste.
Tomato Sauce: For a more “pizza-like” flavor, you can add a couple of tablespoons of pizza sauce or marinara sauce to the mixture, giving it a tomato base. This will add a tangy element that mimics pizza sauce.