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Spaghetti Casserole combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of pizza and the hearty texture of spaghetti. This dish is packed with ground meat, pepperoni, and melty cheese, all baked together for a meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own Pizza Spaghetti Casserole.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) box uncooked spaghetti noodles
1 lb. ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup milk
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 ounces sliced pepperoni (turkey pepperoni works great)
1 (26 oz.) jar of pasta sauce
1 (16 oz.) can diced Italian-style tomatoes
1 (8 oz.) package of shredded Italian cheese blend
Optional pizza toppings: black olives, sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, etc.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 7-8 minutes.
Season the meat with salt, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then set the meat aside.
Step 3: Make the Egg and Milk Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg until well combined.
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the egg mixture, tossing to coat the noodles evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the spaghetti noodles evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the cooked ground meat on top of the spaghetti.
Pour the pasta sauce evenly over the meat layer.
Sprinkle the diced Italian-style tomatoes over the sauce.
Add any additional pizza toppings you like, such as black olives, sausage, onions, green peppers, or mushrooms.
Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend evenly over the top of the casserole.
Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the Pizza Spaghetti Casserole hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook’s Notes
Ground Meat: You can use ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage depending on your preference. A mix of ground beef and sausage also works well.
Spaghetti Noodles: Make sure the spaghetti is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
Cheese: The Italian cheese blend typically includes mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone, but you can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or a pizza blend.
Variations
Vegetarian Pizza Spaghetti Casserole
Omit the ground meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
Extra Cheesy Casserole
Add an additional cup of shredded cheese to the top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.
Spicy Pizza Spaghetti Casserole
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground meat or top the casserole with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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