Pizza Spaghetti Casserole combines two family favorites pizza and pasta into one hearty, cheesy, oven-baked dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this recipe is customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and delivers all the flavors you love in a cozy casserole.

The Origins of Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

While traditional casseroles are a staple in American homes, this recipe is a modern fusion of Italian-American favorites. The idea is simple: take classic spaghetti, mix it with a cheesy egg base for structure, then load it with pasta sauce, Italian-style toppings, and plenty of cheese. The result? A layered dish that tastes like pizza but eats like pasta, offering the best of both worlds. This comforting bake became popular in the U.S. as families looked for creative, budget-friendly meals that could feed a crowd.

Why These Ingredients Work So Well

The spaghetti noodles form the “crust,” held together with a mixture of milk, Parmesan cheese, and egg, creating a firm base that supports the casserole. Ground meat adds protein and savory depth, seasoned with oregano and garlic for a true Italian flavor. The pasta sauce and diced Italian-style tomatoes bring moisture and tang, while shredded Italian cheese blend creates that gooey, melty topping everyone loves. Pepperoni slices add a classic pizza vibe, and optional toppings like olives, mushrooms, or green peppers allow endless customization. Each layer contributes to a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to assemble, bakes in under 40 minutes, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Kids love the cheesy, pizza-like flavor, while adults appreciate the hearty layers and bold seasonings. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a casual party, or as a make-ahead meal, this casserole is versatile and satisfying. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to stretch simple ingredients into a filling dish for 6–8 people.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz.) box uncooked spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb. ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 1 (26 oz.) jar pasta sauce
• 1 (16 oz.) can diced Italian-style tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz.) package shredded Italian cheese blend
• Optional toppings: black olives, sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Cook Spaghetti

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Ground Meat

In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Season with salt, oregano, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Coat the Spaghetti

In a bowl, whisk together milk, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Toss this mixture with the cooked spaghetti until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the coated spaghetti into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer on the ground meat, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and optional toppings.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Pepperoni

Sprinkle shredded Italian cheese over the top and arrange pepperoni slices for a pizza-style finish.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Recipe Timing & Nutrition

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Approx. Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow an extra 10 minutes of cook time.

Can I freeze Pizza Spaghetti Casserole?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What’s the best meat to use?

Ground beef is classic, but Italian sausage adds extra flavor. Turkey is a leaner alternative. You can even mix two types for variety.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.