Hey there! I’m so excited to share one of my favorite recipes with you: Spaghetti Pizza Casserole! It’s a fun twist on two classic dishes, and trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, you’ve come to the right place167.
Imagine the best of both worlds: the comforting texture of spaghetti combined with the irresistible flavors of pizza67. This casserole is:
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: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this dish2.
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: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own4.
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: It’s quick to throw together, making it ideal for busy evenings5.
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: It tastes just as amazing (if not better) the next day.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece1:
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8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces, cooked al dente, and cooled1
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2 ½ cups (282.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided1
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¼ cup (61 g) whole milk1
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1 large egg, beaten1
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning1
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½ teaspoon garlic salt1
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¼ teaspoon kosher salt1
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1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce1
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1 pound ground beef1
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1
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½ teaspoon kosher salt1
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¼ teaspoon black pepper1
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3 ounces sliced pepperoni, about 35 slices, or enough to cover the top1
Follow these simple steps to create your own Spaghetti Pizza Casserole2:
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly1.
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: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, milk, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and kosher salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed2.
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: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a 10 x 15 x 1 jelly roll pan) with cooking spray2.
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: Press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer2.
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: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is set2.
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: While the crust is baking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper1. Simmer for 5 minutes1.
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: Spread the meat sauce evenly over the baked spaghetti crust2.
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: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top2.
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: Bake for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown2.
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: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving2.
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: Mix in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives into the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients5.
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: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
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: Try using Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken instead of ground beef34.
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: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan for a unique flavor profile37.
This Spaghetti Pizza Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:
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: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
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: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.
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: Add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy boost.
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Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time2.
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Yes, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. If you use a smaller pan, the casserole will be thicker and may require a longer baking time2.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used2.
I hope you love this Spaghetti Pizza Casserole as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to bring family and friends together over a delicious and comforting meal. Happy cooking!
