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Turn your favorite Italian classics into one incredible dish with this Pizza Baked Spaghetti - where tender pasta meets bubbling cheese, savory meats, and fresh vegetables in a cozy casserole that brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table. This crowd-pleasing fusion creates those stretchy cheese pulls we all love while delivering comforting pasta satisfaction in every forkful.
The first time I made this for my family game night, it disappeared faster than any regular pasta dish or pizza. There's something magical about how the cheese forms a golden crust on top while keeping the pasta perfectly saucy underneath.
Essential Ingredients
- Spaghetti: Cook it just shy of al dente as it'll continue cooking in the oven. The slight bite prevents mushy pasta
- Marinara sauce: Choose a thick sauce that clings to the pasta. I love using my Sunday gravy recipe, but a good quality jarred sauce works great
- Italian sausage: The fennel and herbs infuse the whole dish with flavor. Remove it from the casing for better distribution
- Red bell pepper: Look for firm, bright peppers. The sweetness balances the savory elements
- Mozzarella: Grate your own for the best melting. Pre-shredded has additives that affect the texture
- Pepperoni: Get them sliced thin for the perfect crispy edges when baked
Creating Your Pasta Pizza Paradise
- Step 1:
- Start with well-salted boiling water - it should taste like the sea. Add your spaghetti and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, prep your toppings. Dice the peppers uniformly for even cooking.
- Step 3:
- Cook your sausage until nicely browned, breaking it into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4:
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining - this starchy liquid is liquid gold if your sauce needs thinning.
- Step 5:
- Return the pasta to its pot while still hot. The residual heat helps it absorb the sauce better.
- Step 6:
- Add your marinara in stages, tossing between additions until every strand is coated.
- Step 7:
- Fold in your cooked sausage and peppers, making sure they're evenly distributed.
- Step 8:
- Transfer to your baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Step 9:
- Top with a generous layer of mozzarella - it should completely cover the pasta.
- Step 10:
- Add parmesan for extra flavor and those crispy cheese spots.
- Step 11:
- Arrange pepperoni in a pattern that ensures every serving gets some.
- Step 12:
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots.
- Step 13:
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving - this helps the cheese set slightly.
My teenagers now request this instead of ordering pizza, and I love how it brings everyone to the table eager to dig in. The way the cheese gets crispy on the edges reminds me of the corner pieces of a Detroit-style pizza.
The Art of Assembly
- Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking
- Create height in the center for an impressive presentation
- Save some toppings to add just before serving for fresh flavor
There's something so satisfying about creating a dish that combines beloved classics. The way the cheese melts into the pasta while the pepperoni gets slightly crispy creates an irresistible contrast of textures.
Every time I serve this Pizza Baked Spaghetti, it reminds me that sometimes the best recipes are born from combining simple favorites in new ways. It's comfort food that makes everyone happy.