Baked Pizza Spaghetti: A Delicious Dinner in One Dish!
If you’re anything like me, weeknight dinners can feel like a race against time. Between work, kids, and a never-ending to-do list, sometimes it seems impossible to whip up something that everyone will love. That’s where Baked Pizza Spaghetti comes in! This easy, comforting dish combines all the flavors of pizza with the heartiness of spaghetti, making it the perfect solution for busy nights and family gatherings alike.
Imagine walking into your home, the aroma of cheesy goodness wafting through the air, and your loved ones eagerly awaiting the feast (or at least hoping that the smell is dinner and not another burnt toast incident). This recipe is not only simple to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pizza Spaghetti
First of all, it’s a one-dish wonder! Who doesn’t love an easy cleanup? Secondly, you can customize it according to your family’s tastes—pepperoni lovers, veggie enthusiasts—you name it! Plus, it’s just downright delicious; it turns your average dinner into an extraordinary culinary delight.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to jump into this pizza-inspired pasta adventure:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Got everything? Let’s dive into the cooking!
Steps to Create the Magic
Cook That Spaghetti: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s rolling, add your spaghetti and cook it according to package directions until it’s al dente. Remember, we’ll be baking it later, so you don’t want it too soft! Drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, and add the diced onions and garlic into the mix. Cook until the onions are translucent—about 5 minutes.
The Sauce is Boss: Stir in your pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you prefer a kick, you could also add some crushed red pepper—because who doesn’t love a little spice?
Combine the Goodness: Next, add the cooked spaghetti to your skillet and mix until everything is well coated.
Layer It Up: Now, transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, then layer on the pepperoni and any other toppings you desire (like bell peppers for those who aren’t afraid of a little extra crunch). Spoon the rest of the spaghetti mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake Time: Pop this beauty in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Enjoy the Moment: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes—trust me, your tongue will thank you for this patience! Slice, serve, and watch how fast it disappears.
Cooking Tips
Get Creative: Feel free to substitute with your favorite toppings—this is like a blank canvas that your culinary creativity can paint!
Pasta Power: If you don’t have spaghetti, almost any pasta will do. Penne or rotini work great too!
Mix It Up: For a different twist, you can even turn this into a baked pizza casserole by adding layers of your favorite pizza toppings and more cheese.
A Personal Touch
This Baked Pizza Spaghetti became my secret weapon in the kitchen after my kids begged for pizza three days in a row. I decided to shake things up and mix in their other favorite culinary delight—spaghetti! Now, this dish is a regular at our family gatherings. I can even hear them arguing over the last slice.
FAQs About Baked Pizza Spaghetti
Can I substitute the meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beyond meat can work just as well. The beauty of this dish is its versatility!
How do I store leftovers?
Put any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or pop it back into the oven until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for Baked Pizza Spaghetti, your dinner problems are officially solved! Not only is this dish quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor that will bring joy to your dining table. So, grab your apron, channel your inner chef, and let’s create some delicious memories together!
If you enjoyed this recipe and are looking for more meal ideas, be sure to check out our other comforting dishes, like the Cheesy Broccoli Casserole or One-Pan Chicken Alfredo.
Meta Description: Baked Pizza Spaghetti is the perfect recipe for busy nights. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Baked Pizza Spaghetti
Ingredients
Method
- Boil water in a large pot. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease and add the onions and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and mix until well coated.
- Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any additional toppings. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes, slice, serve, and enjoy!