I’m from Minnesota, so there are no casseroles here, only Hotdish! This pizza hotdish is one that is universally loved by my family. With all the components of a pizza in a hot, bubbly, cheesy hotdish you can’t really go wrong. Layers of cheese filled ravioli, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan and spaghetti sauce come together to warm your soul when it’s -10 outside and you just want to feel comfort. January is the deepest darkest days of winter. Soup and hotdish are mainstays to help you stay warm and make it through the many hours of darkness. There is just something about a good hotdish that can cheer a person up a little bit. The ravioli take literally 3 minutes to boil. I love buying frozen ravioli, they are so good and easy to make and use.
This hotdish can be changed up anyway you like your pizza: onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc. If you make it with mushrooms, let me know, I’ll send Scott over to your house for supper. He LOVES mushrooms and I just don’t. I’m trying, I really am. But it’s so hard. If you have a really great mushroom recipe that you think will convert me, send it my way! I’ll try anything. I’m going to make beef stroganoff with mushrooms (which I usually don’t) to try it out again. I’ll post the recipe and the results of my mushroom test.
Pizza Hotdish Recipe
PIZZA HOTDISH
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen cheese filled ravioli cooked according to package directions
- 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- ½ lb. Italian sausage cooked
- ½ pouch of pepperoni
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- To assemble the hotdish layer in an 8 x 11.5 in pan*:
- add ½ of the ravioli to the bottom
- then spread ½ of the jar of spaghetti sauce over the ravioli
- add ½ of the ½ lb. Italian sausage
- add ½ of the ½ bag of pepperoni
- add 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese
- finally add ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese
- Repeat the layers one more time
- Cover the hotdish with foil** and bake at 350 for 30 min
- Remove the foil and bake another 10 min until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
- *you can certaily use a 9 x 13 pan or two 8 x 8 and freeze one (before baking).
- **spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil
Video
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pizza Hotdish
While I won’t be sharing the recipe today, I do have some tips to help you make the best Pizza Hotdish.
- Firstly, always use fresh ingredients. Fresh vegetables, high-quality meats, and good cheese will give your hotdish the most delicious flavors.
- Secondly, don’t skimp on the sauce. A generous amount of pizza sauce is key to achieving that authentic pizza flavor.
- Thirdly, layer your ingredients just like you would on a pizza. This ensures that every bite is packed with all the wonderful flavors.
- Lastly, bake your Pizza Hotdish until it’s bubbly and golden. This gives it a beautiful crust and ensures all the flavors are well combined.
FAQs about Pizza Hotdish
I often get questions about this unique dish, so let’s address some of them:
- Q1: Can I use other toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Q2: Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, you can. Simply replace the meat with your favorite vegetables or plant-based proteins.
- Q3: Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Pizza Hotdish in advance and bake it just before serving. It’s a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions for Pizza Hotdish
Pizza Hotdish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread. And just like pizza, it pairs wonderfully with a cold beer or a glass of wine.
In conclusion, Pizza Hotdish is a delightful fusion of two comfort food classics. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the perfect hotdish every time. So why wait? Dive into the delicious world of Pizza Hotdish!
Remember, the joy of cooking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about experimenting with flavors and creating something that brings you joy. So go ahead, whip up a Pizza Hotdish, and let each bite take you on a comforting culinary journey.