Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love Pizza Baked Spaghetti because it turns simple ingredients into a filling meal without requiring complicated preparation. The combination of spaghetti, savory pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives me plenty of classic pizza flavor in every serving.

I also like how convenient this casserole is for busy evenings. I can prepare the pasta and assemble everything quickly, then let the oven handle the rest of the cooking.

Another reason I enjoy this recipe is its flexibility. Just like regular pizza, I can change the toppings to suit what I have available. I can add vegetables, cooked sausage, extra cheese, or different seasonings to create a new variation each time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti
Pizza sauce
Sliced pepperoni
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Eggs
Unsalted butter
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley, optional

Directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente according to the package directions. I drain it well so excess water does not make my casserole watery.
I return the spaghetti to the pot and toss it with the butter until evenly coated. I let it cool slightly before mixing in the eggs and a portion of the Parmesan cheese.
I spread the spaghetti mixture evenly across the bottom of my prepared baking dish.
I spoon the pizza sauce over the spaghetti and spread it into an even layer.
I arrange most of the pepperoni over the sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan evenly over the top.
I arrange the remaining pepperoni over the cheese and sprinkle everything with Italian seasoning and a little garlic powder.
I bake the spaghetti for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
I let the Pizza Baked Spaghetti rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. I finish it with fresh basil or parsley when I have some available.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 8 servings from a 9-by-13-inch dish of Pizza Baked Spaghetti.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 5 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Variations

Meat Lover’s Pizza Baked Spaghetti

I add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, diced ham, or cooked bacon along with the pepperoni when I want a heartier casserole. I make sure all additional meats are fully cooked before adding them.

Supreme Pizza Baked Spaghetti

I add cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and sliced olives when I want the flavors of a supreme pizza. I like to sauté vegetables that contain a lot of moisture before adding them to the casserole.

Veggie Pizza Baked Spaghetti

I leave out the pepperoni and use vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, or olives. I can mix and match the vegetables depending on what I have in my kitchen.

Extra Cheesy Pizza Baked Spaghetti

I add extra mozzarella or combine it with provolone when I want an especially cheesy casserole. I can also add a layer of ricotta between the spaghetti and pizza sauce for a creamier variation.

Spicy Pizza Baked Spaghetti

When I want more heat, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or scatter sliced jalapeños over the casserole before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I let leftover Pizza Baked Spaghetti cool before transferring individual portions to airtight containers or covering the baking dish tightly. I keep the leftovers refrigerated and use them within 3 to 4 days.

For reheating a larger amount, I place the spaghetti in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and warm it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. I remove the foil near the end when I want the cheese on top to melt again.

For individual servings, I use the microwave. I place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely, and heat it in short intervals until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes. I can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until I am ready to bake. When I bake it directly from the refrigerator, I allow some additional cooking time and make sure the center is thoroughly heated before serving.

Can I use a different pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes. I can substitute another pasta shape when necessary. Linguine works well when I want to keep the long-noodle texture, while penne, rigatoni, or rotini can turn the recipe into a slightly different pizza pasta bake.

Do I have to use pepperoni?

No. I can leave out the pepperoni for a meatless casserole or replace it with fully cooked sausage, ground beef, chicken, or vegetables. I like treating the casserole much like a pizza and choosing toppings I already enjoy.

How do I keep Pizza Baked Spaghetti from becoming watery?

I drain my spaghetti thoroughly and avoid adding watery toppings directly to the casserole. When I use mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables that release plenty of moisture, I cook and drain them first.

What can I serve with Pizza Baked Spaghetti?

I like serving Pizza Baked Spaghetti with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or green beans. Garlic bread also pairs well when I want an especially comforting meal.

Conclusion

Pizza Baked Spaghetti gives me an easy way to bring pizza and pasta together in one comforting casserole. The layers of tender spaghetti, savory pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melted cheese create a filling dinner with familiar flavors that I can prepare without much fuss.

Pizza Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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Pizza Baked Spaghetti combines tender spaghetti, savory pizza sauce, pepperoni, and plenty of melted cheese in a comforting baked casserole. It is an easy, customizable family-style dinner packed with classic pizza flavor.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Low Salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly.
Return the spaghetti to the pot and toss with the butter until evenly coated. Let it cool slightly, then mix in the eggs and a portion of the Parmesan cheese.
Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spoon the pizza sauce over the spaghetti and spread it into an even layer.
Arrange most of the pepperoni over the sauce, then sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan evenly over the top.
Arrange the remaining pepperoni over the cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
Let the Pizza Baked Spaghetti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

For a meat lover’s variation, add fully cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, diced ham, or bacon along with the pepperoni.
For a supreme version, add cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and sliced olives.
For a meatless version, omit the pepperoni and use mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, olives, or other favorite vegetables.
Cook and drain vegetables that release significant moisture before adding them to prevent a watery casserole.
For extra cheese, add additional mozzarella, provolone, or a layer of ricotta between the spaghetti and pizza sauce.
For a spicy variation, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sliced jalapeños before baking.
The casserole can be assembled ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Allow additional baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.
Linguine, penne, rigatoni, or rotini can be substituted for spaghetti.
Store cooled leftovers covered or in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat larger portions covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout, or microwave individual servings in short intervals.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 790 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 23 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg