This Baked Pizza Spaghetti is a flavorful, family-friendly dinner that brings together the best of both worlds: pizza and pasta! With a rich pizza sauce, tender rotini pasta, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese, it's a comforting and satisfying meal. Pepperoni adds that classic pizza taste, while the dish is baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you're serving this for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it's easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings!

Baked Pizza Spaghetti
Baked pizza spaghetti | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Baked Pizza Spaghetti combines two favorite comfort foods—pizza and pasta—into one delicious dish. This cheesy, flavorful casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, with a rich sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of pepperoni to satisfy everyone!

INGREDIENTS

  • Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: 1 pound, browned and crumbled for a hearty base.
  • Onion: ½ diced onion, adds flavor and sweetness to the dish.
  • Garlic: 1 clove minced, brings depth and savory notes.
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, enhances the pizza flavor with herbs.
  • Pizza Sauce: 14 oz jar, the base of the dish with a rich, tomato flavor.
  • Water: ¾ cup, used to thin out the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
  • Pasta: 3 cups rotini, cooked according to package directions for a tender texture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded, for a gooey, cheesy topping.
  • Pepperoni: 36 slices, divided to mix into the pasta and top the casserole.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Cook 3 cups of pasta according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef (or Italian sausage) with diced onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain the excess grease.
Step 3:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and begin preparing a 9x9-inch or 11x7-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 4:
In a large bowl, combine the pizza sauce and water. Stir in the cooked pasta, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, the cooked ground beef, and 20 slices of halved pepperoni. Mix until well combined.
Step 5:
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
Step 6:
Top the pasta with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and place the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
Step 7:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 8:
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 9:
Let the baked pizza spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve the Baked Pizza Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.

Helpful Notes

  • If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
  • Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Bobby Flay suggests using a mixture of Italian sausage and ground beef for a more flavorful and hearty casserole.
  • Chef Giada De Laurentiis recommends using fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy and melty topping.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • This Baked Pizza Spaghetti combines the best of both worlds—pizza and pasta—making it a perfect family-friendly dinner.
  • It’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
  • The cheesy, pepperoni-topped pasta bake is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

VARIATIONS

  • Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful dish.
  • Try adding in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli.
Baked Pizza Spaghetti
Baked Pizza Spaghetti | Myhomemaderecipe.com