You don’t have to be Italian to love Italian food. It’s one of the most popular cuisines in the U.S. and around the globe. The following two recipes may prove why.
This Italian Linguine Pie is so delicious it will have you asking for seconds. If you’re a pizza lover, you’re sure to enjoy this easy-to-make and tasty Meatball Pizza.
ITALIAN LINGUINE PIE
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 (8-ounce) can diced, cooked tomatoes, undrained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
6 ounces uncooked linguine or fettuccine noodles
2 eggs
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces), plus 2 tablespoons to sprinkle on top later
1 cup small curd creamed cottage cheese
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli or frozen (thawed) chopped broccoli
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook beef and onion in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, cook and drain linguine or fettuccine as directed on package.
Beat together one of the eggs and the butter in a medium bowl. Stir in linguine or fettuccine and mozzarella cheese. Spoon mixture into ungreased 9-by-1/2-inch quiche dish or pie plate; press evenly on bottom and up side of plate.
Mix together cottage cheese and remaining egg; spread over linguine or fettuccine mixture on bottom of pie plate. Sprinkle with broccoli. Spoon beef mixture evenly over top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of mozzarella.
Bake uncovered about 30 minutes or until hot in center. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Makes 6 servings.
MEATBALL PIZZA
1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
1 (8-ounce) can pizza sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, halved and sliced
12 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (1/2 ounce each), thawed and halved
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place crust on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan.
Spread sauce over crust; sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
Top with the onion, meatballs and remaining two cheeses. Bake 12-17 minutes. Makes 8 slices.
Note: You may use your own homemade pizza crust. Just prebake it for about 10 minutes.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
