The Pizza Casserole with Couscous is a delicious fusion of comforting pizza flavors and the light, fluffy texture of couscous. Imagine digging your fork into a cheesy, tomatoey casserole packed with veggies and chicken, all sitting atop a bed of tender Israeli couscous. The couscous adds a unique twist, offering a delightful contrast to the rich, savory toppings. Each bite is a flavor explosion, with the tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned chicken combining in harmony.
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Pizza Casserole with Couscous
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Pizza Casserole with Couscous
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry Israeli couscous
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- ½ yellow bell pepper diced
- 250 g oyster mushrooms ½ lbs
- pinch salt
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 300 g 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, dried
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley dried
- 200 g roasted chicken, chopped 7oz
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190-degrees C or 375-degrees F.
- In a stock pot, combine couscous and chicken stock. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.1 ½ cups dry Israeli couscous, 2 cups chicken stock
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine oil, onion and bell pepper. Cook for 10 minutes.3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium white onion, ½ yellow bell pepper
- Add oyster mushrooms to the onion mixture and continue to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.250 g oyster mushrooms
- Add in salt, tomato paste, spinach and tomato sauce to the onion mixture and stir together well.pinch salt, 2 tablespoon tomato paste, 300 g 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, dried, 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- Add the roasted chicken and cooked couscous, stirring together well, then transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.200 g roasted chicken, chopped
- Cover in the mozzarella cheese, then bake for 15 minutes. Serve topped with parsley.1 ½ cups mozzarella, shredded, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry Israeli couscous
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- ½ yellow bell pepper diced
- 250g (½lbs) oyster mushrooms
- pinch salt
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 300g (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, dried
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley dried
- 200g (7oz) roasted chicken, chopped
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella, shredded
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat oven to 190-degrees C or 375-degrees F.
In a stock pot, combine couscous and chicken stock. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine oil, onion and bell pepper. Cook for 10 minutes.
Add oyster mushrooms to the onion mixture and continue to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
Add in salt, tomato paste, spinach and tomato sauce to the onion mixture and stir together well.
Add the roasted chicken and cooked couscous, stirring together well, then transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
Cover in the mozzarella cheese, then bake for 15 minutes. Serve topped with parsley.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Enhancing your Pizza Casserole with Couscous with the perfect sides can transform your meal into a memorable dining experience. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Refreshing Green Salad
A simple green salad can provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. Consider using a blend of mixed greens, crisp cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber slices. Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese and drizzle a light vinaigrette dressing for a balanced and refreshing accompaniment.
Savory Garlic Bread
Pair the casserole with savory garlic bread to amplify the warm, hearty feel of your meal. A combination of crispy and buttery goodness, garlic bread complements the cheesy, tomatoey nature of the dish. Serve it warm out of the oven for the best experience.
Flavorful Roasted Vegetables
Adding a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers enhances the nutritional value of your meal while offering additional flavor. The caramelization process during roasting brings out natural sweetness, which complements the savory elements of the casserole beautifully. For added depth, consider seasoning the vegetables with herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting.
Choosing any of these delightful sides will elevate your Pizza Casserole with Couscous, ensuring a satisfying and well-rounded meal for all to enjoy.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Use Fresh Ingredients
Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible to enhance the flavor of your dish. Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness that dried herbs can't match.
Prepare in Advance
Save time on hectic days by preparing casserole ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables and cook the chicken a day before, making assembly quick and easy.
Customize to Taste
Feel free to make this recipe your own. If you prefer a different type of cheese or want to add more veggies, go for it! This versatile casserole can be tailored to suit your family's preferences.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Couscous Instead of Israeli Couscous?
Yes, you can. However, Israeli couscous has a unique texture that works particularly well in this casserole. If you use regular couscous, be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Of course! Simply omit the roasted chicken and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. You can still enjoy the delicious flavors and texture without the meat.
What Type of Sauce Works Best for This Casserole?
A classic marinara sauce is a great choice for this casserole, providing a tangy and savory base. However, feel free to experiment with other sauces like pesto for a different flavor profile or a creamy Alfredo if you prefer a richer taste.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella is a popular choice for its meltability and mild flavor, you can substitute or add other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or parmesan for extra depth and richness. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the dish's overall flavor.
How Long Does the Casserole Last in the Fridge?
The pizza casserole with couscous can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well with foil or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from fading.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If you loved this Pizza Casserole with Couscous, you'll be thrilled to explore more of our delicious chicken-based casserole recipes. From classic favorites to innovative twists, our collection has something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting Chicken Meatball Casserole or a mouth-watering Dorito's Chicken Casserole, we've got you covered.
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