Pizza Pasta Casserole (Gluten Free, High Protein)

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dish that combines convenience, taste, and a bit of creative flair, my Pizza Pasta Casserole is just what you need! This recipe is a fantastic twist on your classic pizza night, and perfect for meal prepping and family dinners alike. It has all the flavors of a pizza and the heartiness of pasta, so you get the best of both worlds without compromising on taste or health. It is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and macro friendly.

And here’s the best part: this recipe is gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to cut back on gluten. The gluten-free pasta blends seamlessly with the savory pizza flavors, creating a comforting and wholesome dish that everyone can enjoy.

Speaking of enjoyment, this casserole is kid-approved! The combination of cheesy pasta, zesty marinara sauce, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni is sure to be a hit with the little ones. It’s a fun way to get them excited about dinner, and it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies!!

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This seems like such a simple recipe, but it is a crowd pleaser let me tell you! My entire family devours it and raves about how great it is EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Nutritious Ingredients: Unlike traditional casseroles, this recipe focuses on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients. I use clean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables to create a dish that’s as wholesome as it is tasty.
• Customizable: Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat lover, or have specific dietary needs, this casserole is easily adaptable. Swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
• Easy to Make: With a straightforward recipe and simple preparation, this casserole is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting and Satisfying: It has all the flavors of a pizza and the heartiness of pasta, so you get the best of both worlds without compromising on taste or health.

Ingredients

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How To Make It

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Substitutions and Additions:

Vegetables – You can easily swap out any of the veggies I use with your favorite pizza veggies (inside and on top of the casserole!). Some other popular veggies include olives, banana peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, jalapenos, etc.

Meat – I used organic, grass-fed ground beef in this recipe to keep it cleaner, but you can easily use Italian Sausage (or half beef, half sausage!). You could also substitute with ground turkey. In terms of the pepperoni, I use Applegate organic turkey peperoni as a healthier option.

Pasta – Use your favorite pasta. Penne & Bowtie pasta are my top pasta shapes. In terms of the actual type of pasta you use, I recommend Jovial organic brown rice pasta. This is my favorite pasta brand by far. It's full of nutrients, gluten free, and does not make you feel bloated at all. Banza chickpea pasta is also a good option and adds some more protein (but there have been some talks lately about the glyphosate levels in it so I have been avoiding it lately and sticking to Jovial).

Cheese – Mozzarella & parmesan cheese are my favorites, but feel free to use what you prefer or have on hand!

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Why Get Grass-Fed Beef?

I can't stress it enough on how important it is to get organic, grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef offers a range of benefits that extend from nutritional improvements to environmental and ethical advantages. While it might come at a higher price point compared to conventional beef, many find the enhanced flavor, healthier fat profile, and positive impact on the environment well worth the investment. Whether you’re a health-conscious eater or simply looking for a more sustainable food choice, grass-fed beef is the way to go. Get high quality grass-fed, organic meat from ButcherBox here. My link throws in free meat with every purchase!

Enhanced Nutritional Profile

• Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed beef typically has a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally raised beef. Omega-3s are essential for heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Better Fatty Acid Ratio: Grass-fed beef generally has a more favorable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. This balance is crucial because a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is associated with various health issues.
• Increased Antioxidants: Grass-fed beef is richer in antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. These antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.
• Higher Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a type of fat found in higher amounts in grass-fed beef. It has been linked to various health benefits, including improved body composition and enhanced immune function.
• Lower Total Fat Content: Grass-fed beef usually contains less total fat compared to grain-fed beef, which can be beneficial for those looking to manage their fat intake.

Better Flavor and Texture

• Rich, Distinctive Flavor: Many people find that grass-fed beef has a more robust and distinctive flavor compared to conventionally raised beef. This is often attributed to the animal's diet and natural grazing.
• Lean Texture: The leaner nature of grass-fed beef can provide a firmer texture, which some people prefer.

Environmental Benefits

• Sustainable Farming Practices: Grass-fed beef is often produced using more sustainable farming practices. Grazing cattle can help maintain healthy grasslands and contribute to soil health.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Well-managed grass-fed beef systems can have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional beef production, as they often require fewer inputs and can sequester carbon in the soil.

Ethical Considerations

• Natural Diet: Grass-fed beef comes from cattle that are raised on a diet more natural to their evolutionary development. This can contribute to improved animal welfare compared to grain-fed systems.
• Reduced Use of Antibiotics and Hormones: Grass-fed beef producers often use fewer antibiotics and hormones, which can be beneficial for both the environment and consumer health.

Health Benefits

• Better for Heart Health: The higher omega-3 content and better fat profile in grass-fed beef can support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Support for Weight Management: The leaner nature of grass-fed beef can be part of a diet aimed at maintaining a healthy weight or reducing body fat.

Check Me Out On Social Media!

I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up-to-date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!

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This Pizza Pasta Casserole is not only a delightful twist on pizza night but also a practical and healthy choice for meal prepping. With its gluten-free goodness and kid-friendly appeal, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a fun, easy meal that makes life a little tastier!

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