Pizza Spaghetti Casserole – The Ultimate Family Comfort Food

If you love pizza and spaghetti, why not enjoy both in one irresistible dish? This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole combines the best of both worlds. It’s packed with hearty pasta, zesty pizza sauce, gooey cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even potluck gatherings. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please kids and adults alike. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients for a dish everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

Two favorites in one dish – combines the comfort of spaghetti with the flavors of pizza.
Simple ingredients – easy to find and affordable.
Make-ahead friendly – prep it the night before and bake when ready.
Customizable – add your family’s favorite pizza toppings.
Great for feeding a crowd – perfect for gatherings and parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sliced pepperoni
½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
½ cup bell peppers, diced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with pizza sauce until fully coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Add the cooked meat mixture on top.
Layer with remaining spaghetti and top with the rest of the cheese.
Finish with pepperoni slices, olives, and bell peppers for a true “pizza” look.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, peppers, onions, and spinach.
Add spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for extra heat.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes to cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of a classic pizza and spaghetti together in one easy, cheesy dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear