🍕 Cheesy Pizza-Style Baked Casserole (Mediterranean-Inspired)
🌿 Description
All the flavors of your favorite pizza—rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory toppings—baked into a hearty, comforting casserole. This version keeps things lighter with wholesome ingredients while still delivering that irresistible melty bite.
🧾 Ingredients
🍅 Base:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (or whole wheat / chickpea pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
🍗 Protein:
- 1½ cups cooked chicken (shredded) or lean ground turkey
🫑 Veggies:
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)
- ½ cup olives (optional)
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
🧀 Cheese Layer:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup cheddar or parmesan
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (adds creaminess without heaviness)
🌿 Seasoning:
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Mix
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, veggies, sauce, olive oil, and seasoning.
- Stir in Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
3. Assemble
- Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Top generously with mozzarella and cheddar/parmesan.
4. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Broil 2–3 minutes for that extra melty, slightly crispy cheese top.
🔥 Tips for Extra “Pizza Vibes”
- Add turkey pepperoni or grilled chicken strips on top
- Sprinkle a little extra oregano after baking
- Serve with a side salad for balance
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make it low-carb?
Yes! Swap pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini slices.
Q: How do I get it extra cheesy?
Use a mix of mozzarella + a little provolone or add cheese in layers.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—skip the meat and add more mushrooms, spinach, or beans.
Q: Is it good for meal prep?
Yes! Keeps well for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.
