When you can’t decide between pizza night and pasta night, this Pizza Spaghetti Casserole saves the day. It’s a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly dish that blends the comforting twirl of spaghetti with all the bold, savory flavors of your favorite pizza. Imagine a base of seasoned spaghetti baked with a rich tomato-meat sauce, then layered with melty Italian cheeses and customizable pizza toppings. One bite and you’ll understand why this dish is a crowd-pleasing winner for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.
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Why You’ll Love This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole
Two classics in one – combines the best of pizza and spaghetti.
Customizable – add your family’s favorite pizza toppings.
Make-ahead friendly – perfect for meal prep or freezing.
Kid-approved – even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
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Ingredients (and Why They Work)
12 oz spaghetti – the hearty pasta base that holds the casserole together.
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage – provides a rich, meaty flavor; sausage adds extra spice.
1 medium onion, diced – builds aromatic depth into the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced – enhances savory flavor.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – adds freshness and texture.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce – the saucy foundation tying pasta and pizza flavors together.
2 large eggs – bind the spaghetti into a sturdy base for the casserole.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – seasons the spaghetti layer and adds nuttiness.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – provides that irresistible melty pizza topping.
½ cup sliced pepperoni – classic pizza flavor in every bite.
Optional toppings: mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños – customize just like your favorite pizza.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – boosts the overall herby, pizzeria flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – enhances all the other ingredients.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This creates a flavorful base that holds firm while baking.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
1. In a skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) with diced onion until browned.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and marinara sauce, letting it simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, and extra Italian seasoning if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
3. Pour the meat sauce on top of the spaghetti.
4. Layer with shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni and other pizza toppings over the cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crisp around the edges.
Step 5: Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
This casserole is loved because it combines comfort, flavor, and convenience. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish, reheats beautifully, and satisfies both pasta lovers and pizza fanatics in one pan. The customizable toppings make it versatile enough for any crowd—whether you prefer a classic pepperoni version or a veggie-loaded option.
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Pro Tips for the Perfect Pizza Spaghetti Casserole
Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Drain the meat well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
Mix eggs with spaghetti while warm so they coat evenly and bind properly.
Use a mix of cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan) for extra flavor depth.
Freeze leftovers in portions for quick future dinners.
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Serving Suggestions
Make your Pizza Spaghetti Casserole a complete meal by serving it with:
A crisp Caesar salad or fresh green salad.
Garlic breadsticks or cheesy garlic knots.
A side of roasted vegetables for balance.
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
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Final Thoughts
This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics, delivering a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for busy weeknigh
ts yet impressive enough for guests. With its make-ahead flexibility and endless topping options, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
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