It’s 6pm and you need dinner fast. If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this recipe is for you. This pizza spaghetti bake is one of those meals you’ll make on repeat.
It combines two of the best comfort foods into one dish. You get the heartiness of pasta with the flavors of a deluxe pizza. It is simple, filling, and perfect for a busy evening.
Why You’ll Make This Pizza Spaghetti Bake Again
This dish is a total lifesaver during the busy fall season. It is a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will love. You can have it on the table in under an hour.
It works perfectly for back-to-school nights when time is short. The ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand. You will love how reliable and satisfying this recipe turns out every time.
How This Comes Together
Making this bake is incredibly straightforward for any home cook. You just boil the pasta and brown the savory sausage. Then, you layer everything with plenty of cheese and toppings. No complicated techniques are required to get great results here.
What You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Use fresh mozzarella for the best cheese pull experience.
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water until it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly so the sauce stays thick.
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning.
- Mix the pasta, sausage, and marinara sauce in a large bowl.
- Place half of the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer one cup of cheese and half the toppings over the pasta.
- Add the rest of the spaghetti mixture as the next layer.
- Top with remaining cheese, pepperoni, peppers, onions, olives, and oregano.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.
How to Serve It
Serve this hot while the cheese is still molten and stretchy. It looks beautiful right in the baking dish for casual hosting. Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread is also a classic choice for soaking up the sauce.
Leftovers & Storage
This pizza spaghetti bake tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze individual portions for easy future lunches. Reheat in the oven or microwave until steaming hot throughout.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t overcook the pasta during the boiling stage.
- Drain the sausage fat well to avoid a greasy bake.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- Grate your own mozzarella for a much better melt.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap the sausage for ground turkey to make it lighter.
- Let the dish rest for five minutes before slicing it.
- Use a deep baking dish to prevent any oven spills.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Try using rotini or penne instead of traditional spaghetti.
- Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms instead of sausage.
- Add fresh basil on top after baking for a bright finish.
- Swap green peppers for roasted red peppers in the winter.
Quick Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day early. Keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready. You may need to add five minutes to the bake time.
What is the best way to reheat it?
The oven is best for keeping the cheese texture right. Set it to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat until the center is warm and the cheese melts.
I hope your family enjoys this hearty bake as much as mine does. It is the perfect solution for those busy nights when you need a win. Happy cooking!
— Ethan
Loaded Pizza Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions; drain thoroughly.
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains; drain excess rendered fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, incorporate the cooked spaghetti, browned sausage, and marinara sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer 50 percent of the spaghetti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 1 cup of mozzarella and half of the pepperoni, peppers, and onions over the first layer of pasta.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture to the dish as a second layer.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, peppers, onions, black olives, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling.
