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 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.