This baked spaghetti casserole combines all the flavors of pizza with tender spaghetti, Italian sausage, pepperoni, plenty of melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite spaghetti sauce.
It's an easy family dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights and hearty enough for leftovers the next day.
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Table of Contents
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 15 min | Cook/Bake: 20-25 min | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 4-6
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Italian sausage, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni
Why You'll Love It: This baked spaghetti casserole is simple to prepare, packed with pizza-inspired flavors, and makes a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Best For: Busy weeknight dinners, casual family meals, and make-ahead leftovers.
Equipment Needed: 9X9 Casserole Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use a different pasta: Swap the spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or penne if that's what you have in your pantry.
- Change the meat: Substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken for the Italian sausage.
- Try a different cheese: Replace the mozzarella with an Italian cheese blend, provolone, or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings: Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, black olives, or onions are delicious additions.
- Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Skip the pepperoni: Leave it out for a classic baked spaghetti casserole.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook the Italian sausage and mix with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook and drain the spaghetti.
Step 2: Mix the cooked meat and spaghetti together then toss in the spaghetti sauce.
Step 3: Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Top the spaghetti with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni.
Step 5: Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy. Garnish with the parsley and serve.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO: Cook the spaghetti just to al dente so it doesn't become too soft while baking in the oven.
❌ DO NOT: Overbake the casserole, or the spaghetti can dry out and the cheese may become tough instead of melty.
Looking for more pasta recipes? Try my One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta with Spinach, Easy Mac and Cheese, and even my Homemade Fettuccine. Yum!
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer: Freeze the baked casserole or individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to help prevent freezer burn.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through, or warm individual servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Serving Tips: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor, if desired.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Absolutely. Ground beef works well in this recipe. For extra flavor, add a little Italian seasoning to the beef while it cooks.
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente and avoid overbaking. If you're reheating leftovers, cover the dish with foil or add a spoonful of spaghetti sauce before warming to help keep it moist.
Complete your meal with these options:
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 8-10 slices pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnishing)
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large bowl. Add the sausage mixture and spaghetti sauce, then toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
- Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips
- Cook the spaghetti just until al dente so it holds its texture after baking.
- Shred your own mozzarella cheese for the best melting and texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it's easier to scoop.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
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Food Safety Tips
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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