Cheesy Baked Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Indulge in a comforting fusion of two beloved favorites with this easy baked pizza spaghetti casserole. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in savory marinara sauce, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in, each bite is a scrumptious reminder of the best pizza flavors.
ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
steps
- 1.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2.
Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- 3.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add ground beef and cook until browned.
- 4.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté until softened.
- 5.
Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- 6.
In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, the meat sauce mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- 7.
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- 8.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
- 9.
Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 10.
Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes; garnish with fresh basil if desired.