Savor the fusion of two beloved comfort foods with this delightful Baked Pizza Spaghetti recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish that combines the flavors of pizza and spaghetti in a comforting baked casserole.
To start, gather the following ingredients: spaghetti, your favorite marinara sauce, ground beef or sausage, a blend of Italian herbs, mozzarella cheese, and your preferred pizza toppings such as pepperoni or bell peppers. Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions, achieving a perfect al dente texture. While the spaghetti cooks, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet, infusing it with savory flavors and ensuring it becomes a hearty component of the dish.
Combine the cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce, creating a luscious base that coats each strand with the essence of Italian goodness. Integrate the browned ground meat into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish. Incorporate a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the pasta and meat mixture. This step imparts a gooey, cheesy goodness that is reminiscent of a classic pizza. Transfer the pizza spaghetti mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer. Top the casserole with additional mozzarella cheese and your chosen pizza toppings, adding a burst of color and flavor that evokes the spirit of a pizza pie.
Bake the dish in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the flavors have melded into a harmonious union. The aroma filling your kitchen will replicate the anticipation of enjoying a freshly baked pizza. Once out of the oven, let the Baked Pizza Spaghetti rest for a brief moment before serving. Each forkful captures the essence of both pizza and spaghetti, offering a delightful medley of textures and flavors.