Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s totally game-changer. What are some nights when you’re craving pizza and pasta but can’t decide? Is the days of the old are over?Pizza Baked Spaghetti. PizzaIs it like the best of both worlds collided in a cheesy, tomato sauce-y explosion of flavor? Think lasagna, but with all the fun toppings of a pizza. My grandma used to make a simpler version of baked spaghetti, but adding all the flavors? What made it a family tradition? Is it possible to make a kitchen smell like it is baking?
What is Pizza Baked Spaghetti?
So, what *is* Pizza Baked Spaghetti: What, exactly? It’s essentially a baked pasta dish that tastes exactly like pizza. We’re talking spaghetti tossed in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, layered with all your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, and a generous blanket of mozzarella cheese. Then, it’s baked until bubbly and golden brown. Think of it as a deconstructed pizza, but instead of a crust, you’ve got a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Honestly, it’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something quick and delicious. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, practically inhale this stuff. They don’t even argue about the veggies because it all just tastes like pizza!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the reasons why you will love this movie?Pizza Baked Spaghetti: What, but let’s just hit the highlights. First off, the flavor! It’s seriously addictive. The combination of the savory tomato sauce, the salty pepperoni, and the gooey cheese is just pure bliss. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Plus, it’s so simple to throw together. I’m talking minimal prep time and mostly hands-off cooking. This one’s a lifesaver on busy school nights. What I love most about this recipe is its cost-efficiency. Spaghetti is incredibly cheap, and you can use whatever leftover veggies and meats you have in the fridge, making it a great way to clean out those crisper drawers! Another great aspect is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Vegetarian? No problem, just skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies! Got picky eaters? Stick to their favorite toppings. It’s a total win-win. It’s right up there with my one Pot Pasta Recipes in terms of convenience and flavor. But honestly, this one just has that pizza magic that’s hard to beat!
How do you bake spaghetti?
Quick Overview
Making this Pizza Baked Spaghetti: WhatHow do I make a quick tomato sauce? Then, you’ll toss the spaghetti in the sauce, layer it in a baking dish with your favorite pizza. What are the best toppings for cheese? What is the beauty of this recipe? Is it so easy to layer a dress? How can I turn dinner prep into a family activity?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish: What’s your review
• 1 pound spaghetti: I usually go for regular spaghetti, but whole wheat works too for added fiber. Just make sure you don’t overcook it!
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce: What’s your favorite store-bought sauce? I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my soup.
• 1 pound Ground Beef or Italian sausage: You can use either, or a combination of both. Make sure to brown it well and drain off any excess grease.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds a nice savory flavor to the sauce.
What is better with garlic?
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Another essential Italian herb.
Don’t be afraid to season!
For the Pizza Toppings: For a
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni: Use your favorite brand. I prefer the smaller, thicker slices that curl up when they bake.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms: I like using cremini mushrooms, but button mushrooms work just as well.
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper: Adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Adds a salty, briny flavor.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: What is the best mozzarella cheese to use?
Optional Toppings
• Cooked and crumbled bacon
• Sliced cherry tomatoes
• Cooked sausage
• Pineapple chunks (if you’re into that sort of thing)
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the bottom. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping this step is a recipe for disaster! Trust me, you don’t want to be scraping burnt spaghetti off the bottom of your dish later.
Step 2: Cook Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. If you overcook something, be careful not to over cook it. Drain the spaghetti well and set aside. I always add a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water to prevent the noodles from sticking. What is the one trick that makes a big difference?
Step 3: Brown Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Ground Beef or Italian sausage. Remove from the heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Where does the magic happen? The aroma of the garlic and onions simmering in the skillet is just heavenly.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do I make a rich sauce? I sometimes add a splash of Red Wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. It’s totally optional, but highly recommended!
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. How do I make sure every strand of spaghetti is coated in that flavorful sauce?Pizza baked spaghetti. What are some examplesHow does the world really start to come together?
Step 6: Layer in Baking Dish
Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the pepperoni, mushrooms, green bell pepper, and black olives. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture, toppings, and cheese. You want to create even layers so that every bite is packed with flavor. I like to arrange the pepperoni in a single layer on top of the cheese so that it gets nice and crispy in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When spaghetti is heated through, it is not a Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the pizza baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the cheese set up and prevent it from being too runny. Serve hot and enjoy!
5. What to Serve It With
What to Serve It With
This pizza baked spaghetti is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:
For a light and refreshing starter: Serve with a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing will help cut through the richness of the spaghetti.
For a Comforting Side Dish: Pair it with some garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping in the sauce. My family loves this option!
For a complete Italian feast: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a healthy dose of greens.
For a casual get-together: Serve with a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing beverage.
When I make this for family gatherings, I usually serve it with a big green salad and some garlic knots. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and there are never any leftovers!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pizza Baked Spaghetti
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pizza Baked Spaghetti
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the perfect pizza baked spaghetti. Here are some of my top tips:
Don’t overcook the spaghetti: Al dente is key! Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the oven, which isn’t what we want.
Use good-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Splurge on good-quality mozzarella cheese and pepperoni for the best results.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings: This recipe is totally customizable, so feel free to use your favorite pizza toppings. Just make sure to cook any raw veggies or meats before adding them to the spaghetti.
Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. These seasonings are what give the pizza baked spaghetti its signature flavor.
Let it rest before serving: Let the spaghetti cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the cheese set up and prevent it from being too runny.
Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the pizza baked spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
I once accidentally used sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in the glaze. It was a disaster! The glaze was way too sweet and runny. I learned my lesson: always double-check your ingredients!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover pizza baked spaghetti (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: You can leave this out for up to 2 hours, but any longer, and you’ll want to refrigerate it.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. This is perfect for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
Glaze Timing Advice: I usually recommend freezing it without the glaze to maintain the glaze’s best quality when it’s served.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave on high until heated through. I prefer baking it because it helps the cheese get nice and melty again.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite pizza baked spaghetti recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you love easy and delicious pasta dishes like this one, be sure to check out my lasagna soup recipe next! It has all of the flavor of lasagna but is quick and easy to throw together. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking, and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your favorite pizza toppings!
Pizza Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti cooked and drained
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti and pizza sauce.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
