Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

A cheesy, hearty mashup of two family favorites—spaghetti and pizza—in one delicious baked dish!

 Difficulty: Easy

 Prep Time: 15 minutes

 Cook Time: 30 minutes

 Total Time: 45 minutes

 Servings: 6–8

 Recipe Overview

Why choose between pizza and pasta when you can have both in one bite? This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole combines tender spaghetti noodles, rich marinara sauce, savory Italian sausage or pepperoni, and layers of gooey, melted cheese—all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting, kid-friendly, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

This recipe is flexible, fun, and easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings!

 Ingredients

For the Pasta Base:

• 12 oz uncooked spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef (or combo)

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups marinara or pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 20–30 slices of pepperoni

• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)

• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

• Additional grated Parmesan (optional)

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan with non-stick spray or a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and return to the pot. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 2 eggs

• Grated Parmesan

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper

Pour this over the drained spaghetti and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. This step helps bind the pasta base so it holds together when baked.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage (or ground beef) with chopped onions until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain excess fat, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish in the following order:

1. Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly on the bottom.

2. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it across the noodles.

3. Sprinkle 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese on top.

4. Arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese (add optional veggies or olives here too).

5. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread!

 Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead:
Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes to the covered portion of cooking.

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:
Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, or bake from frozen (add 20–25 minutes covered).

Reheat:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven.

 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Nutritional estimates are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and brands used.