Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole has become an absolute legend in our household. The first time I made it, I was looking for a way to combine my kids’ two ultimate comfort foods – spaghetti and pizza – into one easy weeknight meal. I was a bit skeptical, wondering if it would just taste like, well, spaghetti with pepperoni on top. But oh, was I wrong! The way the cheesy layers meld with the savory meat sauce and the perfectly cooked spaghetti, all crowned with those crispy pepperoni cups… it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. My youngest, usually a picky eater, devoured two helpings and immediately asked when we could have it again. My partner, who appreciates a hearty meal after a long day, declared it a “keeper.” It’s since become our go-to for busy school nights, casual get-togethers with friends, and even potlucks where it disappears in record time. It’s that perfect blend of familiar comfort and exciting twist that makes everyone smile. The aroma alone, as it bakes in the oven, is enough to make your mouth water – a rich tapestry of tomato, herbs, cheese, and that unmistakable pizza parlor scent. Trust me, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen.

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the comforting slurp of spaghetti and the irresistible allure of a cheesy, topping-laden pizza. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece of comfort food:

• For the Spaghetti Base:
  • 1 pound (450g) spaghetti, or your favorite long pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce / 425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce / 170g) can tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish and flavor)
• For the Cheesy Ricotta Layer (Optional but Recommended):
  • 15 ounces (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
• For the Toppings & Assembly:
  • 2 cups (8 ounces / 226g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 4-6 ounces (113-170g) sliced pepperoni
  • Optional pizza toppings: sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, cooked crumbled bacon.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect Pizza Spaghetti Casserole:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the spaghetti.
   • Cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). It’s important not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
   • Drain the spaghetti well and set aside. You can toss it with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking if it will sit for a while.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef (and Italian sausage, if using). Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
   • Add the Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally. If using fresh parsley in the sauce, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture (if using):
   • While the sauce is simmering, prepare the ricotta layer. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar-sized casserole dish).
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • First Layer (Spaghetti): Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Second Layer (Ricotta – if using): If you’re using the ricotta mixture, dollop it evenly over the spaghetti layer and gently spread it out. If not using ricotta, you can proceed to the next step or add a thin layer of meat sauce here.
   • Third Layer (Meat Sauce): Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti (or ricotta layer).
   • Fourth Layer (Cheese): Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce.
   • Fifth Layer (More Spaghetti): Add the remaining cooked spaghetti on top of the cheese.
   • Sixth Layer (Remaining Meat Sauce): Spread the rest of the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
   • Seventh Layer (Final Cheese & Toppings): Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
   • Eighth Layer (Pepperoni & Other Toppings): Arrange the pepperoni slices (and any other desired pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers) evenly over the cheese.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the pepperoni is slightly crisped. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
7. Rest and Serve:
   • Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve neat portions and preventing the filling from running out.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: This recipe generously serves 8-10 people.
• Calories per serving (approximate): Around 550-700 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used (e.g., fat content of meat, type of cheese, inclusion of ricotta layer, and portion size). This is an estimate and can vary.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes (includes chopping vegetables, browning meat, cooking pasta, and assembling).
• Cook Time: 25-35 minutes (baking time) + 20-30 minutes (sauce simmering time).
• Resting Time: 10-15 minutes.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.

How to Serve

This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some delightful ways to serve it and complete your dining experience:

• With a Fresh Green Salad:
  • A crisp Caesar salad with creamy dressing.
  • A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette (balsamic, Italian, or red wine vinegar based).
  • An arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Alongside Garlic Bread:
  • Classic buttery garlic bread slices, toasted until golden.
  • Cheesy garlic bread for an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Garlic knots or breadsticks for dipping into any extra sauce.
• With Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
  • Steamed broccoli florets tossed with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
  • Roasted asparagus spears seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • A medley of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
• Garnishes:
  • A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a touch of color and freshness.
  • A dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
  • A few red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
• Beverage Pairings:
  • A light-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Barbera.
  • A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio.
  • For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or even a classic cola works well.

When serving, use a sturdy spatula to cut and lift out generous squares. Ensure each portion gets a good distribution of the cheesy topping and the saucy spaghetti base.

Additional Tips

To make your Pizza Spaghetti Casserole experience even better, consider these helpful tips:

1. Make-Ahead Marvel: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold.
2. Freezer-Friendly: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole freezes beautifully. Bake it and let it cool completely. Then, either cover the entire dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or divide it into individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
3. Customize Your Toppings & Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative!
   • Meat Variations: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Spicy Italian sausage adds a wonderful kick.
   • Vegetable Boost: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers (any color), zucchini, or spinach and add them to the meat sauce or as a separate layer.
   • Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is classic, provolone, a Monterey Jack blend, or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar can add different flavor profiles. Smoked mozzarella would be incredible!
   • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle them on top for some heat. A dash of hot sauce in the meat sauce can also liven things up.
4. Pasta Perfection: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini work well as they hold the sauce nicely. Remember to cook it al dente. If you happen to have leftover cooked spaghetti, this recipe is a perfect way to use it up!
5. Sauce Secrets: For an even richer sauce, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the meat and before adding the onions. Simmering the sauce for longer (even up to an hour if you have time) will deepen the flavors significantly. Taste and adjust seasonings before assembling – a well-seasoned sauce is key!

FAQ Section (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Pizza Spaghetti Casserole:

1. Q: Can I make this Pizza Spaghetti Casserole vegetarian?
   • A: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat. You can increase the amount of vegetables in the sauce – think sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and onions. Plant-based ground crumbles are also an excellent substitute for ground beef. Ensure your tomato sauce and other components are vegetarian-friendly.
2. Q: What if I don’t have spaghetti? Can I use another type of pasta?
   • A: Yes, you can. While spaghetti is the classic choice for “spaghetti casserole,” other pasta shapes work very well. Medium-sized shapes like penne, ziti, rigatoni, or even rotini are great because they hold the sauce and cheese effectively. Cook whichever pasta you choose to al dente.
3. Q: How long will Pizza Spaghetti Casserole last in the refrigerator?
   • A: Leftover Pizza Spaghetti Casserole, when stored properly in an airtight container, will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
4. Q: I’m not a big fan of ricotta cheese. Can I skip the ricotta layer?
   • A: Yes, the ricotta layer is optional, though highly recommended for its creamy texture. If you skip it, the casserole will still be delicious. You might want to mix a little of the meat sauce directly with the spaghetti before layering, or simply proceed with the spaghetti, sauce, and cheese layers. You could also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese (blended smooth if you prefer) or a creamy béchamel sauce for a different kind of richness.
5. Q: What’s the best way to prevent the spaghetti from getting mushy in the casserole?
   • A: The key is to cook the spaghetti only until it’s al dente – meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook and absorb moisture from the sauce while baking in the oven. If you overcook it initially, it’s more likely to become mushy. Draining it well also helps.