Description

A family-friendly, meal-prep-friendly, and completely customizable dish, this Pizza Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect mash-up of two classics. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this cheesy, saucy masterpiece is guaranteed to satisfy!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz spaghetti noodles
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
20–25 slices turkey pepperoni
½ cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Cook ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess grease and mix in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Layer the Casserole:

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, half the meat sauce, and a portion of the cheeses.
Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.

4. Top It Like a Pizza:

Arrange turkey pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection:

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Garnish & Serve:

Let cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-friendly.
Add black olives or jalapeños for a kick of flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion