If you’re looking for a wonderfully comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the best flavors of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of spaghetti, this Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is your new go-to meal. It’s the perfect blend of savory sausage, zesty pepperoni, rich tomato-basil sauce, and three kinds of melty cheese layered over tender spaghetti, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Whether you want to wow family or enjoy a cozy dinner any night of the week, this dish delivers deliciousness in every bite and makes weeknight cooking feel like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating those classic pizza flavors with the comforting texture of a casserole. The simple, easy-to-find ingredients come together to build layers of taste and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 12-oz uncooked spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up the sauce and holds all the delicious toppings.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the pasta as it cooks.
- 1 (1-lb) package mild ground pork sausage: Adds savory richness and a bit of hearty texture to the dish.
- 1 (5-oz) package turkey pepperoni slices: Gives that familiar pizza punch; feel free to use as many as you love.
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce: Brings a fresh, herbaceous zest that ties everything together.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty layer of flavor.
- 1 (8-oz) package shredded Italian three-cheese blend: Melts beautifully for that gooey, irresistible finish.
How to Make Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, then lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and helps with an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to the package directions until it’s al dente, then drain it thoroughly. Placing it directly in your prepared baking dish lays the foundation of your casserole and allows the sauce and toppings to meld beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Crisp the Pepperoni
In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium-high heat until nicely browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about five minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Then wipe out the skillet and add the turkey pepperoni slices, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to crisp up slightly, releasing their delicious aroma.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to build those layers! Spread the cooked sausage over the spaghetti, then pour the tomato-and-basil pasta sauce evenly on top. Arrange half of the pepperoni slices over the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and the Italian three-cheese blend. Finish by layering the remaining pepperoni on top—this layering gives you bursts of that perfect pizza flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover your baking dish with nonstick or lightly greased aluminum foil to keep all the flavors moist and meld together nicely during baking.
Step 6: Final Bake and Melt
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This last step helps the cheese melt fully and just start to brown, giving you that irresistible golden crust on top that everyone loves.
How to Serve Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano really brightens the rich, cheesy flavors and adds a fresh pop of color. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat if you like your pizza with a kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic side that lets you scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish with plenty of individual plates for everyone to customize their portions. You could even turn leftover casserole into individual mini servings by baking them in a muffin tin for a playful appetizer or lunchbox treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout, or warm the whole casserole in a 350ºF oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps revive that melty, browned cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully for this recipe, you can swap in penne, rotini, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so the pasta stays tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage and pepperoni with your favorite vegetarian meat substitutes, sautéed mushrooms, or extra veggies like bell peppers and olives for a fantastic meat-free version.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I use if I don’t have turkey pepperoni?
Any kind of sliced pepperoni or even diced salami can be great substitutes. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer fewer toppings but try to keep some for authentic pizza flavor.
How spicy is the flavor profile of this Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe?
This recipe is fairly mild thanks to the mild sausage and turkey pepperoni, but it’s packed with classic pizza flavors. If you want more heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or jalapenos.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is like giving your family and friends a warm, cheesy hug at the dinner table. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with familiar pizza flavors that everyone loves. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation that you look forward to making again and again!
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Pizza Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole combines classic Italian flavors in a comforting baked dish. Tender spaghetti is layered with browned ground pork sausage, crispy turkey pepperoni, rich tomato-basil pasta sauce, and a blend of Italian cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or feeding a group.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti
- ½ tsp salt
Meats
- 1 (1-lb) package mild ground pork sausage
- 1 (5-oz) package turkey pepperoni slices (use as much as desired)
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 (26-oz) jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package shredded Italian three-cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Brown Sausage & Cook Pepperoni: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground pork sausage for about 5 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat and wipe the skillet clean. Add turkey pepperoni slices and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly crisp.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the browned sausage evenly over the spaghetti. Pour the tomato-and-basil pasta sauce over the sausage, then arrange half of the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and Italian three-cheese blend evenly over the pepperoni, and then arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer.
- Cover: Cover the baking dish with nonstick or lightly greased aluminum foil to keep the casserole moist during baking.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of pepperoni to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, substitute mild sausage with spicy Italian sausage.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Use low-fat cheese options to reduce calories if desired.
